Pretoria – South Africa has raised serious concerns with the Kingdom of Eswatini following the confirmed arrival of a group of deported foreign nationals from the United States, some of whom are convicted criminals.
The individuals were transported on a special flight and are reportedly being held in Eswatini for transit to their countries of origin.
According to a statement issued by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) on Tuesday, the South African government is alarmed by the security implications of the group’s arrival, given the proximity and porous borders shared by the two neighbouring countries.
The concerns follow remarks by Eswatini government acting spokesperson Thabile Mdluli, who confirmed the landing of the group and said further deportations of a similar nature may follow.
South Africa raises immigration related concerns with Eswatini – DIRCO https://t.co/EG6RrJPzFg
— Chrispin Phiri 🇿🇦 (@Chrispin_JPhiri) August 5, 2025
“South Africa has raised concerns with Kingdom of Eswatini following confirmation by the acting spokesperson of the Government, Mrs Thabile Mdluli, that a group of dangerous criminals of various nationalities landed in Eswatini after being transported from the United States of America on a special flight with the potential of more criminals of this profile to follow,” DIRCO spokesperson Chrispin Phiri said.
“Their arrival was also followed by an announcement from the United States Department of Homeland Security indicating that this group of individuals from several countries, and some of whom have been convicted of serious offenses and crimes, have been deported from the United States of America and have arrived in the Kingdom of Eswatini.”
The US Department of Homeland Security has also confirmed that the individuals were deported from the United States and include persons convicted of serious crimes.
Phiri said South Africa respects Eswatini’s sovereign decisions but is “deeply concerned about the profile of these individuals and the potential adverse impact on South Africa’s national security and immigration policy”.
He added that DIRCO had taken note of the announced collaboration between Eswatini, the United States, and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), which aims to facilitate the return of the deportees to their respective countries.
However, there are indications that many of these countries may not accept their return.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
