National government has confirmed that more than 15,000 Malawian nationals have already been processed for deportation. Image: Supplied
Durban
1Min
South Africa
Durban driver-in repatriation centre to close as Malawian Nationals moved to Musina
Government has announced that Malawian nationals currently housed at the Durban Drive-In temporary repatriation site will be relocated to a new processing centre in Musina, Limpopo, as part of efforts to speed up repatriation and improve the management of irregular migration.
The eThekwini Municipality has confirmed that Malawian nationals currently accommodated at the Durban Drive-In temporary repatriation site will be relocated to a newly established Temporary Repatriation Processing Centre in Musina, Limpopo.
The move follows a resolution adopted by the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Migration on 26 June as part of government's coordinated strategy to manage irregular migration and accelerate voluntary repatriation efforts.
In a statement on Saturday the municipality said that the new Musina facility has been established to improve the verification and processing of undocumented foreign nationals, facilitate quicker repatriations through the Beitbridge Port of Entry, and reduce pressure on existing repatriation facilities while enhancing overall operational efficiency.
National government has confirmed that more than 15,000 Malawian nationals have already been processed for deportation and voluntary repatriation, with the verification of additional individuals still underway.
The relocation process is being coordinated by the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Migration together with relevant national departments, with support from provincial and local government structures within their respective mandates.
The eThekwini Municipality said it will continue working with national departments and other stakeholders to support the implementation of the committee's decision and assist with operational planning.
Once the relocation has been completed and all operational arrangements have been finalised, the Durban Drive-In temporary repatriation site will be decommissioned.
The municipality assured residents that the relocation is being carried out in close collaboration with the Department of Home Affairs, the Department of Transport, the South African Police Service (SAPS), and other relevant stakeholders to ensure the process is conducted safely, orderly, humanely and in accordance with the law.
