South Africa Releases Total Number of Illegal Immigrants Deported in Latest Crackdown

• South Africa confirmed that over 53,000 illegal immigrants have been processed for deportation or repatriation
• The figure emerged after authorities intensified their crackdown on illegal migration across the country
• Citi 97.3 FM shared the update on Instagram on July 12, 2026

South Africa has processed more than 53,000 undocumented foreign nationals for deportation or repatriation since the government stepped up its efforts to tackle illegal migration in the country.

The figures were made public by the South African government and shared on Instagram by Citi 97.3 FM on July 12, 2026, drawing widespread attention to the scale of the ongoing crackdown.

South Africa's migration crackdown

The numbers signal a significant escalation in how authorities are handling undocumented immigrants.

The South African government has been under mounting pressure to address concerns around illegal migration, with officials pointing to the operation as evidence of a firmer stance on border control and immigration enforcement.

Read also

KNUST bans staff and students from travelling to South Africa over foreigner attacks

The 53,000-plus figure covers individuals who have been processed for either formal deportation back to their countries of origin or voluntary repatriation, suggesting a dual-track approach to managing the large volume of cases.

The Instagram post below provides more details about South Africa's latest anti-illegal immigration crackdown.

South Africa has long been a destination for migrants from across the African continent, drawn by its relatively stronger economy.

The country has, however, seen growing tensions around immigration in recent months, with communities and political groups calling on the government to act more decisively on undocumented residents.

KNUST bans all travel to South Africa

Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) has placed a ban on all travel to South Africa by its staff and students, following escalating demonstrations against foreign nationals in the southern African country.

The renowned Kumasi-based university published an official press release on its Instagram page on July 13, 2026, warning its entire community to hold off on any planned trips to South Africa for the time being.

Read also

DHS tells employers to dismiss thousands of immigrant workers

According to the university, management has been closely tracking the situation unfolding in South Africa, where protests directed at foreign nationals have created significant disruptions to public life, resulted in property damage, and in some cases, turned violent.

Source: YEN.com.gh