Malawi confirmed on Friday that it has brought back 38,000 of its citizens from South Africa over the past month, as a wave of anti-migrant threats and violence prompts a mass exodus of foreign nationals. The repatriation effort, which began in early June, has seen six Malawians die during the journey back home.
Mass Exodus Triggered by Anti-Migrant Unrest
South Africa has experienced weeks of protests and unrest targeting immigrants, who are accused by some fringe groups of taking jobs and resources. The violence has resulted in deaths, including two Mozambican nationals, a Malawian, and an Ethiopian, according to South African police. Since late May, citizens from Ghana, Nigeria, Uganda, Zimbabwe, and other countries have been fleeing the country.
Malawi's Department of Disaster Management reported that six people died from illnesses during the long voyage back. Commissioner Wilson Moleni told AFP that four died in transit and two after crossing into Malawi. All were ill when they started the trip. “However, because they were being chased and moving from place to place, they were unable to access their medicines and hospital care,” Moleni said. “Some spent time in camps in South Africa, which further worsened their conditions.”
Repatriation Statistics and Logistics
Between June 7 and July 8, Malawi repatriated 38,094 nationals using more than 570 buses. The South African border authority reported that of the approximately 46,000 returnees processed at the Beitbridge border post since June 7, the majority were Malawians, followed by Zimbabweans. Other foreign nationals left via different borders, including around 1,000 Ghanaians and 500 Nigerians who flew from Johannesburg’s main airport.
Border Commissioner Michael Masiapato told AFP on Thursday, “Overall we can basically talk about around 60,000 individuals that have been repatriated and deported during this period.”
Regional Impact and Government Responses
Zimbabwe’s government said on Tuesday it had helped nearly 21,300 citizens return from South Africa since late May. Uganda’s government reported on Friday that around 1,100 of its nationals had been repatriated, while hundreds of Mozambicans and Kenyans have also left. The exodus highlights the widespread impact of the anti-migrant sentiment in South Africa, which has disrupted lives and caused a humanitarian crisis for many foreign workers and their families.
