Mass Exodus: 100,000 Zimbabweans Flee as South Africa Deports 53,000 in Anti-Migrant Crackdown

Mass Exodus: 100,000 Zimbabweans Flee as South Africa Deports 53,000 in Anti-Migrant Crackdown

Nearly 100,000 Zimbabweans have left South Africa, while Malawi has repatriated 38,000 of its citizens, as a nationwide anti-immigrant crackdown and wave of xenophobic violence forces hundreds of thousands to flee or face deportation.

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The Zimbabwean government announced it has expanded repatriation efforts as nearly 100,000 of its citizens have left South Africa, with the number of people requiring assistance continuing to rise [197999]. Returnees arriving at a reception centre in the border town of Beitbridge said they are fleeing rising anti-immigrant tensions and threats of violence, fearing for their safety [194418].

Malawi has repatriated 38,000 of its citizens from South Africa in the past month following a wave of anti-migrant protests and threats, with at least six Malawians dying during the journey home [193353]. Hundreds of people remain stranded outside the Malawian consulate in South Africa, where a psychologist from Doctors Without Borders (MSF) has identified individuals needing mental health support due to trauma [196265].

South Africa has deported more than 53,000 foreigners as part of a new migration campaign following widespread anti-immigration protests, with authorities targeting undocumented migrants in a sweeping enforcement effort [194710]. The government has also begun forcing children of undocumented immigrants to leave public schools, disrupting the education of hundreds of young students, as critics argue the move violates the right to basic education for all children [197490].

Nigeria has demanded compensation from South Africa after several days of xenophobic protests, during which demonstrators targeted foreign-owned businesses and homes, leading to widespread violence and the expulsion of many Nigerian nationals [195484].

Sources

Nearly 100,000 Zimbabweans flee South Africa, government says #197999Zimbabweans Flee South Africa, Arrive at Border Reception Centre #19441838,000 Malawians flee South Africa after anti-migrant violence #193353South Africa deports 53,000 foreigners in crackdown after protests #194710Hundreds Stranded Outside Malawian Consulate in South Africa #196265Nigeria Demands Compensation After South Africa Expels Its Citizens #195484South Africa: Immigrants’ Kids Kicked Out of Schools #197490

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