Pretoria – The Department of Home Affairs says it has deported 109 344 illegal immigrants over the past two financial years, reflecting what it describes as a significant escalation in immigration enforcement since the formation of the Government of National Unity (GNU).
According to acting spokesperson for Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber, André Gaum, deportations have increased steadily over the period, rising from 39 672 in 2023/24 to 51 560 in 2024/25, and further to 57 784 in 2025/26.
“This marked increase in law enforcement against immigration violations demonstrates the commitment of the Department of Home Affairs and our partners in law enforcement to restoring the rule of law,” Gaum said.
The department said the cumulative increase represents a 46% rise in deportations over the two-year period.
Minister Schreiber attributed the rise to ongoing reforms and intensified enforcement operations.
“These numbers show that we are now reaping the fruits of reforms focused on greater efficiency and intensified enforcement against immigration violators,” Schreiber said.
“Through ongoing campaigns like Operation New Broom, as well the increasing use of biometric verification tools, we have already increased deportations by 46%.”
He warned that individuals residing in the country illegally should leave voluntarily.
“Our message remains clear: If you are in South Africa illegally, self-deport now before we find you and ban you from ever entering our country legally in future,” he said.
Schreiber added that enforcement would continue alongside technological upgrades aimed at strengthening border and immigration control.
“While enforcement efforts are clearly yielding fruit and scaling up every year, we remain equally focused on deterrence and modernisation,” he said.
He highlighted the use of drones, body cameras, and the upcoming Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system, which will record biometric data for incoming travellers to improve detection of illegal immigration.
The department said the measures form part of broader efforts to modernise immigration management and strengthen compliance.
