Home Affairs deported 57 000 foreigners at R175m cost in two years
The latest figures also show the pressure on the state's deportation system, with 3 731 foreign nationals in detention awaiting deportation
The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) spent over R175 million deporting 57,464 foreign nationals over two financial years, according to Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber. In the 2024-25 financial year, 51,650 people were deported at a cost of R101,773,704.72. However, the number of deportations dropped significantly in the 2025-26 financial year, with only 5,814 foreign nationals deported at a cost of R73,375,375.62.
As of 28 August, 3,731 foreign nationals remained in detention awaiting deportation, nearing the capacity of the Lindela holding facility used for deportation. DHA spokesperson Schreiber stated that keeping people in detention for extended periods is not the intention, and the department aims to facilitate their removal as quickly as possible.
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