‘Leave by June 30’: Anti-Migrant Rallies Spread Fear Across South Africa

‘Leave by June 30’: Anti-Migrant Rallies Spread Fear Across South Africa

African migrants in South Africa say their legal status offers little protection as a wave of anti-immigrant rallies spreads fear across the country [168390]. Marches calling for illegal immigrants to leave have reignited long-held xenophobic sentiment, according to migrants who report living in “extreme fear” [168390].

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migrationhuman rightsafrica

A campaign group called March & March, which is leading the protests, has given people living in the country illegally until 30 June to leave [168390]. The group has not specified what will happen to those who do not comply [168390].

Recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa are a harsh reminder that violence against foreign nationals is never acceptable, and it is both morally and legally wrong [145259]. The anger around migration is growing more dangerous, and Africa needs a long-term, stable plan for migration to prevent tensions from rising further [145259].

Meanwhile, the European Union has agreed on a major change to its migration policy, aiming to increase deportations and create detention centers in countries outside the EU [165455][165379][165011]. Rights groups have criticized the move, comparing it to the strict immigration policies of former US President Donald Trump [165455][165379][165011]. Camille Le Coz, Director of the Migration Policy Institute of Europe, told FRANCE 24 that the EU has designed the policy “to make it compatible with international law” [165455][165379]. The deal marks a significant shift in how the bloc handles migration, though details on funding and locations for the centers remain unclear [165011].

Sources

‘Leave by June 30’: South Africa’s migrants face rising fear #168390Migrants vs. Violence: Can Africa Fix Its Border Crisis? #145259EU to build migrant detention centres abroad, speed up deportations #165455EU to build migrant detention centres abroad, speed up deportations #165379EU to Build Detention Centers Abroad, Speed Up Deportations #165011

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