South Africa’s President Warns Anti-Immigrant Groups: No ‘June 30 Deadline’ as 15,000+ Foreign Nationals Flee

South Africa’s President Warns Anti-Immigrant Groups: No ‘June 30 Deadline’ as 15,000+ Foreign Nationals Flee

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has warned anti-immigration groups that they have no legal authority to enforce a self-imposed “June 30 deadline” for undocumented migrants to leave the country, as more than 15,000 foreign nationals have already been processed for departure amid rising xenophobic tensions.

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The ultimatum, set by citizen-led groups including the “Operation Dudula” campaign, has sparked fear among migrant communities, who report a sharp increase in attacks and threats [181477][183482]. Foreign-owned businesses have been looted and set on fire, and several people have been killed [181477]. In response, hundreds of Zimbabweans in Cape Town are urgently seeking repatriation, with local officials reporting a surge in requests for travel documents [183482]. The Border Management Authority (BMA) has processed 8,230 foreign nationals at the Beitbridge port of entry alone, as authorities work to facilitate lawful and orderly repatriation [183164]. More than 15,000 Malawian nationals have also been processed to leave, with thousands more in temporary camps awaiting deportation [183551].

President Ramaphosa warned Thursday that the government will take strong action to stop any attempts to destabilize the country, vowing to “crush” any disruptions during the planned protests [182275]. He reiterated that the groups have no legal authority to demand migrants depart by June 30, calling such actions unlawful and divisive [183555]. Police have stated they are prepared for any violence and warned that anyone who breaks the law during demonstrations will be arrested [181796]. A South African MP also urged anti-immigrant protesters to remain within legal boundaries, emphasizing that protests must not violate the country’s laws [181782].

The situation has also caused economic strain, with landlords reporting lost income after immigrant tenants suddenly vacated properties without notice [183151]. Meanwhile, the Nigerian government has brought home another 66 citizens from South Africa as part of continuing efforts to help Nigerians affected by recent xenophobic attacks [181797].

Sources

South Africa’s President Warns Groups: No ‘Deadline’ for Immigrants #183555South Africa: Xenophobic Group Orders Undocumented Immigrants to Leave by June 30 #181477Zimbabweans Rush to Leave South Africa as Anti-Immigrant Deadline Nears #183482South Africa rushes to deport 15,000 before anti-immigration protests #183551South Africa Processes Over 8,000 Foreign Nationals at Beitbridge #183164South Africa Vows Crackdown as Anti-Migrant Marches Loom #182275South Africa Protests: Foreigners Not the Target, Police Warn of Arrests #181796South Africans Lose Rent as Immigrants Flee #183151South Africa MP to Anti-Immigrant Protesters: Stay Within the Law #181782Nigeria evacuates 66 more citizens from South Africa after xenophobic attacks #181797

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