Namibia monitors situation as anti‑immigrant violence escalates in SA

Namibia

Windhoek – Namibia has advised its citizens living in, studying in or travelling to South Africa to remain vigilant amid rising anti-migrant unrest and reports of xenophobic attacks.

The warning comes as protests against undocumented migrants continue in parts of South Africa, with some groups demanding that foreign nationals without legal status leave the country by 30 June.

Reports have also emerged of vigilante groups checking immigration documents and forcing foreign-owned businesses to close.

According to The Namibian, Ministry of International Relations and Trade executive director Ndiitah Nghipondoka-Robiati said that Namibia has not received reports of its citizens being directly affected, but authorities are closely monitoring the situation.

Namibians requiring assistance have been urged to contact the country’s diplomatic missions in South Africa.

 

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Several African countries, including Kenya, Malawi, Lesotho and Zimbabwe, have issued similar warnings to their citizens.

The unrest has been linked to frustrations over unemployment, crime, poor service delivery and overcrowded public services, with migrants increasingly becoming targets.

Recent violence in Mossel Bay claimed the lives of two Mozambican nationals, while a South African teenager was also killed and dozens of shacks were reportedly set alight.

Meanwhile, Ghana has repatriated about 300 citizens from South Africa, and Nigeria has announced plans to bring home many of its nationals.

On Wednesday the Border Management Authority (BMA) said it had overseen the departure of 933 Mozambican nationals through the Lebombo Port of Entry in one of the largest coordinated repatriation operations conducted in recent months.

According to the BMA, 349 of the individuals were deported from the Lindela Holding Facility by the Department of Home Affairs, while 584 travelled from Mossel Bay under arrangements made by the Mozambican High Commission.

According to The Citizen, BMA deputy assistant commissioner Mmemme Mogotsi said the operation involved immigration, health, law enforcement and border management officials working alongside the Departments of Home Affairs and Social Development, the South African Police Service, and Mozambican authorities.

All travellers underwent identity verification, biometric screening and immigration checks. Authorities identified 17 individuals who had overstayed their visas, while 38 minors were processed with assistance from social workers to ensure compliance with child protection and cross-border travel regulations.

The South African government has condemned attacks on foreign nationals and says it is working to improve migration management and social cohesion, while groups such as march and march movement continue to play a prominent role in the country’s immigration debate.

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