By George Omagbemi
South Africa is seeking reimbursement of about $18.5 million from Nigeria, Malawi and Ethiopia for expenses incurred in repatriating their nationals amid an intensified crackdown on undocumented migration.
The demand follows a sharp increase in immigration enforcement, with South African authorities carrying out deportations and assisted voluntary repatriations as the government strengthens efforts to address irregular migration. Reports say the Department of Home Affairs spent approximately R292 million on repatriation-related costs, including transportation and associated logistics.
The development has placed additional pressure on relations between South Africa and affected African countries, particularly as Pretoria seeks to recover some of the costs associated with returning foreign nationals to their countries of origin.
South African government figures show that tens of thousands of undocumented foreign nationals have been processed for repatriation or deportation.
As of July 24, 68,327 undocumented foreign nationals had been repatriated, with Malawians accounting for 81 per cent, Zimbabweans 16 per cent and Mozambicans three per cent.
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