Amanze Chinonye
South Africa is seeking reimbursement from Nigeria, Malawi and Ethiopia for costs incurred in deporting and repatriating tens of thousands of foreign nationals as authorities intensify a crackdown on undocumented migration, Prime Business Africa reports.
The country’s Home Affairs department told lawmakers on Tuesday that South Africa had spent nearly $18 million accommodating and transporting immigrants who were deported or assisted in returning to their home countries.
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The expenditure covered buses used to transport migrants, temporary repatriation centres and staff overtime, among other costs, the department said.
Home Affairs Director-General Tommy Makhode described the spending as “unforeseen and unavoidable”. Officials said the foreign ministry had sent written requests for compensation to the governments of Malawi, Ethiopia and Nigeria.
Some municipalities and government departments involved in the repatriation operations are also seeking compensation from the Home Affairs department because the costs were not included in their budgets.
Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber described the recent volume of deportations and repatriations as unprecedented.
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The government’s intensified enforcement comes amid rising tensions over undocumented migration in South Africa, where anti-immigration groups have staged protests and accused foreign nationals of contributing to unemployment, crime and pressure on public services.
The protests have at times been accompanied by attacks on foreign nationals, straining relations between South Africa and other African governments.
The reimbursement requests could further complicate those relations, turning the financial burden of South Africa’s migration crackdown into a broader diplomatic issue across the continent.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
