Thousands of migrants have sought to leave South Africa ahead of a June 30 deadline set by activists demanding undocumented migrants leave the country.
Humanitarian organisations and foreign diplomatic missions have been assisting people seeking voluntary repatriation or temporary relocation, while South African authorities have said they are monitoring the situation and maintaining public order.
The South African government has rejected the so-called “deadline” made by the groups for foreigners to leave the country, as fears grow of a violent climax at the end of the month.
One of the groups, March & March, called for mass protests on Tuesday (30 Jun) if its demands, including the “immediate and massive deportation of all illegal foreigners currently in the country,” are not met.
Key developments:
- Planned anti-migrant protests have prompted concerns over the safety of foreign nationals.
- Humanitarian agencies are supporting displaced people with transport, shelter and other assistance.
- Authorities have urged demonstrations to remain peaceful while continuing to enforce immigration laws.
The developments follow weeks of rising tensions in parts of South Africa, where anti-immigration protests and reported attacks have displaced foreign nationals, prompted temporary shelters and repatriation efforts by several neighbouring countries.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has condemned violence and urged that immigration enforcement remain the responsibility of the state, while warning against vigilantism and the scapegoating of migrants.
ℹ️ Al Jazeera, CNN
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