WeeklySA_AdminOPERATION: The Border Management Authority has confirmed the successful departure of 926 Mozambican nationals, while seven others were stopped due to documentation and nationality-related concerns…
By Own Correspondent
South Africa’s Border Management Authority (BMA) has overseen the departure of 933 Mozambican nationals through the Lebombo Port of Entry in one of the largest coordinated repatriation operations conducted in recent months.
According to the BMA, 349 of the individuals were deported from the Lindela Holding Facility by the Department of Home Affairs, while 584 travelled from Mossel Bay under arrangements made by the Mozambican High Commission.
According to The Citizen, BMA deputy assistant commissioner Mmemme Mogotsi said the operation involved immigration, health, law enforcement and border management officials working alongside the Departments of Home Affairs and Social Development, the South African Police Service, and Mozambican authorities.
All travellers underwent identity verification, biometric screening and immigration checks. Authorities identified 17 individuals who had overstayed their visas, while 38 minors were processed with assistance from social workers to ensure compliance with child protection and cross-border travel regulations.
Of the 933 people processed, 926 successfully departed South Africa, while seven were prevented from leaving due to documentation or nationality-related issues, including minors without the required paperwork.
“At the conclusion of the operation, 926 departed successfully, while seven were not permitted to leave due to documentation or nationality issues, including minors without required papers. Arrangements were made for all affected individuals in line with legal requirements,” the report quoted Mogotsi as saying.
BMA Commissioner Michael Masiapato said South Africa would continue working with regional partners to promote safe, orderly and legal migration while protecting national and regional security interests.
The operation comes amid growing pressure over migration issues in South Africa.
Meanwhile, Malawi has announced a voluntary repatriation programme for its citizens in South Africa following reports of attacks on foreign nationals.
The move follows the recent departure of Ghanaian nationals and comes after anti-immigration protests in several provinces, where demonstrators demanded that undocumented foreign nationals leave South Africa by 30 June. – African Inside/Club of Mozambique
