South Africa seeks reimbursement from African countries for migrant repatriations

South Africa is seeking reimbursement from several African governments for the costs incurred while repatriating tens of thousands of their citizens back to their home countries. This request follows the deportation and repatriation of over 80,000 immigrants, triggered by protests and violence against illegal immigration in South Africa.

South Africa has already spent nearly $18 million on accommodating and transporting immigrants who wished to return home, covering expenses such as transport, temporary centers, and overtime for staff.

The Home Affairs department, which briefed lawmakers on the matter, described these costs as "unforeseen and unavoidable." Some local authorities and government departments involved in the repatriation process are now demanding compensation from the Home Affairs department, as the expenses were not included in their budgets.

Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber acknowledged the unprecedented scale of these repatriations and deportations, which have occurred during heightened tensions surrounding immigration in South Africa. Anti-illegal migration groups have staged protests and even attacked foreign nationals, straining relations with other African nations. Some of these countries have accused South Africa of failing to protect its citizens, a claim the government has denied.

According to official government figures, 82,875 individuals have been repatriated or deported since the migration tensions escalated. However, the governments of the migrants' home countries report a total of around 178,000 departures. The majority of these deportations have taken place at South Africa's Lindela Repatriation Centre, where around 16,078 nationals were sent back between April and July, mostly from Lesotho, Malawi, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique.

South African law enforcement has stated that they plan to intensify their efforts to combat illegal migration and related offenses, with nearly 60,000 people arrested for being in the country illegally, including 16,208 in July alone.