The Border Management Authority has processed 295 Ghanaian nationals for repatriation amid escalating anti-migrant protests threatening to paralyse the country at the end of June.
The chartered flight, arranged by the Ghanaian government through its High Commission in Pretoria, departed from OR Tambo International Airport on Wednesday as fears mount over a threatened national shutdown by anti-immigration movement March and March.
BMA Commissioner Dr Michael Masiapato confirmed that of the 300 Ghanaians brought to the airport, 295 were cleared to depart. Twenty-five came from the Lindela holding facility whilst 275 were brought directly by the Ghanaian High Commissioner.
Immigration checks revealed that about 90% of the travellers were undocumented, requiring the Ghanaian Embassy to issue Emergency Travel Certificates – single-page documents allowing one-way return to their country of origin.
Most had overstayed their visas by more than 30 days, with some remaining illegally for over a year. They were declared undesirable in terms of Section 30 of the Immigration Act.
Five passengers were refused departure. One held a valid asylum seeker permit and could not leave without first cancelling his protection application. Another had an expired passport without an Emergency Travel Certificate, whilst a third was attempting to depart with two minor children believed to belong to her sister without proper consent documentation.
Escalating crisis
The repatriation comes as South Africa faces mounting international criticism for its handling of anti-migrant protests that have left thousands of foreign nationals fearing for their lives.
March and March, which has emerged as a prominent anti-immigration organisation in 2026, has issued an ultimatum demanding all undocumented foreign nationals leave South Africa by 30 June. The movement has vowed to initiate a national shutdown if the government fails to meet its demands.
The group’s founder, Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, has called on government to stop granting and processing all refugee applications, review asylum policies, strengthen border controls, and reserve certain jobs exclusively for South African citizens.
Protests have swept through Johannesburg, Pretoria and Durban in recent weeks, with some demonstrations involving vigilante-style door-to-door activities demanding foreign nationals leave immediately.
On 25 May, Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster ministers met protest leaders at the Union Buildings in Tshwane. However, March and March expressed dissatisfaction with the outcome, saying no clear action plan was presented.
Regional repatriation efforts
Ghana is not alone in evacuating its citizens. Nigeria has announced a voluntary repatriation programme, with 130 nationals already registered to return home. Foreign Affairs Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu said the figure was expected to rise as arrangements for repatriation flights continue.
BBC reports indicate roughly 800 Ghanaian citizens have registered for repatriation, with further departures expected in coming days.
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The crisis has drawn sharp condemnation from international bodies. The United Nations and the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights have expressed concern over rising xenophobia and called on the South African government to ensure protection and accountability for all individuals.
Human Rights Watch documented xenophobic attacks against African and Asian foreign nationals in April and May, warning of insufficient police response to vigilante violence.
Various diplomatic missions have advised their nationals to close businesses and remain vigilant during demonstrations as tensions continue to escalate ahead of the 30 June deadline.
The BMA maintained that the processing of departing passengers was in line with its mandate to facilitate legitimate movement of persons whilst implementing South Africa’s legislative framework.
Commissioner Masiapato described the operation as “decisive action” underscoring the authority’s “uncompromising implementation” of immigration law.
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