A group of 150 Malawian nationals repatriated from South Africa amid rising xenophobia concerns are expected to arrive home by road on Monday, authorities in Lilongwe have said.
The repatriation follows unrest in South Africa’s Western Cape Province, where reports a week ago indicated incidents of door-to-door intimidation, alongside the deaths of two Mozambicans in Mossel Bay.
According to a statement from Lilongwe, the Malawian citizens were among several foreign nationals who had sought refuge in temporary camps in Mossel Bay.
Other African countries, including Ghana, Nigeria, and Zimbabwe, have also launched repatriation efforts amid growing concerns over anti-migrant tensions in South Africa.
Anti-immigrant groups are reportedly demanding the departure of undocumented migrants, setting a 30 June deadline.
In response, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the nation, announcing new measures aimed at curbing illegal migration while urging restraint and warning against vigilante actions.
He stressed that there is “no space for xenophobia, racism, sexism, Afrophobia or any other forms of intolerance” in the country.
Meanwhile, Zimbabwe has already repatriated 74 of its citizens following reported attacks, while Ghana recently organised evacuation flights for hundreds of nationals. Nigeria has also begun evacuation arrangements, though some flights have been delayed due to logistical challenges.
Officials say more than 500 Nigerians have been screened and cleared for return as part of ongoing evacuation efforts, with processing still continuing.