First Batch of Ghanaians to Be Repatriated from South Africa Amid Anti-Immigrant Protests
Hundreds Begin Voluntary Return as Fears of Renewed Xenophobic Violence Escalate Across South Africa
- 800 Ghanaians register for repatriation from South Africa
- Anti-immigrant protests spark fears of xenophobic violence
- Ghana government rolls out reintegration support for returnees
The first batch of Ghanaians living in South Africa is set to be repatriated as fears grow over rising anti-immigrant protests across the country.
Government authorities say about 800 Ghanaian nationals have registered to return home, with the first group expected to depart on Wednesday morning.
The BBC observed dozens of buses arranged by the Ghanaian Embassy transporting passengers to Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport at about 03:00 local time (01:00 GMT). The passengers included men, women and children of different ages.
A smaller group arrived separately in a police van and was kept under close security surveillance.
The repatriation exercise follows a wave of protests against illegal immigration in several South African cities in recent weeks, sparking fears of renewed xenophobic violence.
All passengers underwent registration and screening processes conducted by embassy officials and airport authorities.
Ghanaian officials disclosed that an initial group of 300 people would leave on Wednesday, while the remaining registered citizens would depart after further screening.
Most passengers declined to speak to journalists, but one returnee, Rudolph, who has lived in South Africa for 10 years and operates a salon business, said the recent protests forced him to leave.
“It’s not comfortable for us to stay here anymore, so we have to go. I think we will find peace at home,” he told the BBC.
An estimated 25,000 Ghanaians are currently living in South Africa.
Protesters claim illegal immigrants are placing pressure on public services and have called on the South African government to intensify efforts to curb undocumented migration.
The demonstrations are being spearheaded by a group known as March and March, which describes itself as a citizen-led movement advocating immigration reforms.
The group has issued a June 30 ultimatum for undocumented immigrants to leave the country.
Rudolph expressed concern that the deadline could trigger violence.
“The protests started in Durban and have spread to other provinces. Definitely something bad could happen,” he said, adding that he has no intention of returning to South Africa.
Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Benjamin Quashie, said the government’s priority was to ensure the safety of its citizens.
“The Ghanaian government listened to the plight of its citizens in South Africa, who felt that their lives were in danger and their economic activities had come to a standstill. It is the responsibility of every government to protect its citizens both home and abroad,” he stated.
Mr Quashie also revealed that the government has put in place a reintegration strategy to support returnees.
“The government is willing to help them re-establish the businesses they were doing in South Africa. In a way, we are also helping the South African economy because some of them are undocumented, and Ghana does not support illegal migration,” he added.
Some analysts believe the resurgence of anti-migrant sentiments may be linked to South Africa’s upcoming local elections scheduled for November.
South Africa has previously witnessed deadly xenophobic attacks. In 2019, at least 12 people were killed in anti-foreigner violence, while 62 foreign nationals died during similar attacks in 2008.
Although organisers of the latest protests insist their demonstrations have remained peaceful, the South African government recently condemned criminal acts targeting foreigners while acknowledging the need to address illegal immigration.
