MORE THAN 70,000 UNDOCUMENTED REPATRIATED SINCE LAST MONTH

The Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on Migration Management briefed the nation on Sunday, 26 July 2026, providing an update on government’s Five-Point Plan aimed at strengthening migration management, securing South Africa’s borders and improving law enforcement.

The briefing was led by Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi, alongside Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, and Minister of Police, Firoz Cachalia. The ministers outlined progress made in tackling illegal migration, strengthening border security, accelerating deportations, improving cooperation with neighbouring countries and introducing legislative reforms to strengthen South Africa’s migration system.

Government says its Five-Point Plan on Migration Management is beginning to show results, with thousands of undocumented foreign nationals processed and major law enforcement operations underway.

Key Highlights:

• 72,906 undocumented foreign nationals have been repatriated through ports of entry since 7 June.
• 68,138 people were processed at the Musina Temporary Repatriation Processing Centre.
• Dedicated immigration courts finalised 28,736 immigration-related cases between April and June, with 46% of cases heard in Gauteng.
• 354 arrests and prosecutions have been registered for migration-related offences, with a further 69 arrests in Jeffrey’s Bay last weekend.
• Government says 93 joint border operations have targeted illegal border crossings, human trafficking, drugs and organised crime.
• The Musina Temporary Repatriation Processing Centre will be scaled down from 20,000 to 1,500 capacity from 1 August following a decline in numbers.
• Cabinet is considering new legislation, including a Business Licensing Bill that could reserve certain businesses or sectors for South African citizens.

Government also warned against members of the public conducting illegal identity checks on foreign nationals, saying only authorised officials may enforce immigration laws. It confirmed seven (7) people have already been arrested in Polokwane for allegedly impersonating Home Affairs officials and carrying out unlawful identity checks.

The Inter-Ministerial Committee says it will continue providing regular updates as South Africa strengthens border security, law enforcement and migration management.