Ghanaian nationals return home from South Africa amid anti-immigrant unrest

JOHANNESBURG: Hundreds of Ghanaian nationals have begun returning home from South Africa following a recent wave of anti-immigrant protests that raised safety concerns for foreign communities, according to Reuters.

Early on Wednesday, Ghanaian citizens gathered at Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport to board repatriation flights as part of a voluntary return programme coordinated between Ghanaian and South African authorities.

The group of around 300 people included women and children. Officials said the broader list of those who have expressed a desire to return home is estimated at about 800 individuals.

South African immigration officials said most of those departing were not in compliance with the country’s immigration laws. Speaking to local broadcaster eNCA, an unnamed official stated that only a small number of the 300 travellers were legally documented residents.

The repatriation follows weeks of demonstrations across parts of South Africa, where protesters have called for stricter immigration enforcement. Some campaign groups have accused undocumented migrants of contributing to rising crime rates and unemployment, which remains above 30% in the country.

The protests have also been accompanied by reported incidents of violence targeting foreign nationals from other sub-Saharan African countries, prompting heightened concern among migrant communities.

One Ghanaian national, speaking before departure, said persistent harassment had influenced his decision to leave, adding that he was relieved to return home after feeling unsafe abroad. He declined to be identified.

Migrant advocacy organisations have warned that foreign nationals are increasingly being blamed for South Africa’s socio-economic challenges, arguing that migrants are being used as scapegoats for structural issues such as joblessness and inequality.

Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Benjamin Quashie, said the repatriation process was intended to reduce tensions while maintaining strong diplomatic relations between the two countries. He stressed that cooperation between both governments remained intact and that the return of undocumented migrants was part of orderly administrative procedures rather than a political breakdown.

South African authorities have publicly condemned violence and intimidation against foreign nationals, reiterating that xenophobic attacks are unacceptable under the country’s constitutional framework and promising stronger enforcement action against perpetrators.