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Why immigrants are leaving South Africa — as country is on edge ahead of June 30 ‘deadline’
New York Post • • world
Key Points:
- Thousands of African immigrants are leaving South Africa due to rising anti-migration sentiment and violent attacks, with some countries repatriating their citizens amid fears of xenophobic violence.
- Anti-immigration groups in South Africa have set a June 30 deadline for undocumented migrants to leave, threatening a national shutdown if the government does not act, prompting heightened police alertness.
- South African President Cyril Ramaphosa acknowledged border control failures but stated illegal immigration is not the root cause of social and economic issues, while condemning groups exploiting the issue for political gain.
- Recent attacks include killings and arson in immigrant communities, prompting police investigations and international concern, including from the United Nations, over the surge in xenophobic violence.
- South Africa has deported over 100,000 undocumented migrants in the past two years and stopped around 500,000 at its borders, intensifying the national debate on immigration amid long-standing tensions.
