South Africa Exodus: 7,000 Migrants Bused Out as Anti-Migrant March Looms

South Africa Exodus: 7,000 Migrants Bused Out as Anti-Migrant March Looms

Tens of thousands of undocumented migrants are fleeing South Africa ahead of an unofficial June 30 deadline set by anti-immigrant groups, with authorities already busing over 7,000 displaced people out of Durban.

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South African authorities have organized 140 buses to relocate more than 7,000 displaced migrants from Durban to the northern town of Musina, a journey of over 900 kilometers that brings them closer to the Zimbabwe border [185221]. The operation targets people who had been staying at the old Drive-In site in Durban [185221].

The relocation comes as thousands of anti-migrant protesters marched across South Africa on Saturday, from Johannesburg to Durban, demanding that undocumented foreigners leave the country [185634][185659]. The demonstrations, organized by citizen-led anti-immigration groups, remained largely peaceful despite earlier fears of violence [185634]. The groups had set an unofficial June 30 deadline for migrants without legal status to depart [185680].

Authorities remain on high alert to prevent violence as the deadline approaches [186023]. In the meantime, thousands of migrants, including many Malawians, are waiting in makeshift camps, seeking clearance to return home amid growing fear and uncertainty [185680]. Officials have urged calm, but the situation remains tense [185680].

Sources

7,000 Displaced People Bused Out of Durban in South Africa #185221South Africa Marches Against Undocumented Foreigners #185634South Africa Exodus: Foreigners Flee Before Anti-Migrant March #186023South Africa Demands: 'Illegal Migrants Must Leave' #185659South Africa: Thousands of migrants flee before deadline #185680

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