Over 53,000 Foreigners Deported or Repatriated in South Africa Within Month
Justice Minister Mamoloko Kubayi confirmed that more than 53,000 foreigners have been deported or repatriated in less than a month, as operations continue at Musina’s temporary repatriation centre.
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South Africa has deported or repatriated over 53,000 foreign nationals in less than a month, Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mamoloko Kubayi confirmed on July 12, 2026. The figure, reported by SABC News, underscores a significant escalation in the country’s immigration enforcement operations.
The mass deportations coincide with continued operations at Musina’s temporary repatriation centre, where more than 20,000 individuals have passed through, according to Timeslive. Despite government plans to scale down activities at the facility, authorities maintain that it remains fully operational. SABC News reported the same day that the Beitbridge border post continues functioning as undocumented migrants still arrive in the country.
The intensified repatriation efforts come alongside the introduction of new technological tools aimed at identifying undocumented individuals. MyBroadband reported on July 12 that handheld mobile devices capable of scanning for illegal foreign nationals are being deployed in South Africa. While details on implementation timelines and scope were not provided, the technology signals a shift toward more systematic identification and processing of undocumented migrants.
The rapid pace of deportations and repatriations has drawn attention to South Africa’s broader immigration policy enforcement. With over 20,000 people processed through Musina alone, the scale of operations reflects ongoing regional migration pressures. The government has not released demographic or national origin data for those affected, nor provided information on due process safeguards during repatriation procedures.