Over 900 Mozambicans repatriated in major border operation
All travellers underwent immigration procedures, including identity verification, biometric screening and status assessments.
More than 900 Mozambican nationals have left South Africa through the Lebombo Port of Entry in what the Border Management Authority (BMA) says was one of the largest co-ordinated repatriation operations in recent months.
The BMA confirmed that 933 Mozambican nationals were processed during the operation.
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Of those, 349 individuals originated from the Lindela Holding Facility and were deported by the Department of Home Affairs, while 584 travelled from Mossel Bay under arrangements facilitated by the Mozambican High Commission.
BMA deputy assistant commissioner Mmemme Mogotsi said the operation was conducted through a co-ordinated effort involving multiple government departments and agencies.
“The operation was co-ordinated through an integrated approach that combined immigration, health, law enforcement, and border guard functions, in partnership with Home Affairs, Social Development, the SA Police Service, and Mozambican authorities,” said Mogotsi.
She said all travellers underwent immigration procedures, including identity verification, biometric screening and status assessments.
Among those processed were undocumented individuals and others who required additional verification. Authorities also identified 17 people who had overstayed their authorised period of stay in South Africa.
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The operation included 38 minors, who were processed with the assistance of the Department of Social Development.
“Thirty-eight minors formed part of the group and were processed with the assistance of Social Development to ensure compliance with child protection and cross-border movement requirements,” said Mogotsi.
She added that all individuals underwent health, security and immigration screening before being allowed to proceed.
At the conclusion of the operation, 926 departed successfully, while seven were not permitted to leave due to documentation or nationality issues, including minors without required papers. Arrangements were made for all affected individuals in line with legal requirements.
According to the BMA, the operation concluded without incident.
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BMA commissioner Dr Michael Masiapato said authorities would continue working with neighbouring countries to ensure migration is managed lawfully.
“We will continue to work closely with regional counterparts to promote safe, orderly and regular migration while safeguarding the security interests of South Africa and the region,” he said.
The operation comes amid broader discussions around migration in South Africa.
Earlier this week, Malawi announced a voluntary repatriation programme for its nationals living in South Africa following reports of attacks targeting foreign nationals in some parts of the country.
The development also follows the departure of a group of Ghanaian nationals from South Africa last week.
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Last month, protests in several provinces required police intervention after demonstrators threatened foreign nationals and their property.
One of the groups involved in the protests, March and March, has set a deadline of June 30 for undocumented foreign nationals to leave the country.
