South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs says only 10 out of nearly 300 Ghanaian nationals who applied for repatriation were legally in the country, exposing the scale of undocumented migration as anti-immigrant tensions intensify.
The Ghanaian High Commission confirmed that fewer than 300 citizens boarded the evacuation flight from Johannesburg to Accra after several were turned away over incomplete or invalid documentation.
Those affected are expected to be processed for a second flight later this week.
The repatriation operation comes amid growing protests in South Africa targeting undocumented migrants.
Home Affairs Immigration and Law Enforcement Head Stephen van Neel said authorities found widespread immigration violations among those listed for departure.
“Out of the 300 individuals on that list, only 10 were legally in the country. The rest were undocumented, non-compliant, or had overstayed their visas. Sanctions will be implemented where necessary,” he said.
The evacuation flight, initially scheduled to depart at 4 a.m., remained grounded for hours as officials carried out final immigration and security checks at OR Tambo International Airport.
Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Benjamin Kofi Quashie, condemned any form of vigilantism and stressed that Ghana would not retaliate against South Africans despite rising tensions.
“Have you seen Ghanaians in Accra attacking South Africans? No. That’s because state institutions in Ghana work,” Quashie said.
He insisted that immigration enforcement is the responsibility of governments, not civilians, and warned against reprisals.
“There will be no revenge attacks from Ghana. We believe in law, order, and the spirit of pan-Africanism,” he added.
Meanwhile, Ghana says it is fully prepared to receive citizens returning from South Africa following reports of xenophobic violence.
Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Ablakwa announced a five-point reintegration support plan for evacuees and said a high-level government delegation would welcome them on arrival in Accra.
“You are not destitute. You are not refugees. Ghana will receive you with dignity,” Ablakwa told those preparing to return home.
Ghanaian authorities said the first group was expected to depart on Wednesday, while additional applicants are still undergoing screening before later flights.
