Home Affairs repatriates more than 7000 foreign nationals through Durban facility

The Department of Home Affairs has confirmed that more than 7,000 foreign nationals have been repatriated through the temporary Drive-In repatriation facility in Durban, with 54 buses deployed as part of the operation.

On Monday the department said that the facility is now processing up to 2,000 individuals per day as authorities intensify efforts to ensure the orderly implementation of immigration laws.

In Johannesburg, Home Affairs has intervened to complete the repatriation of 476 Malawian citizens who were left stranded after transport arrangements made by private operators failed. The department said it stepped in to ensure the group could return home safely and without further delays.

Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber said he has also engaged with KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli, with plans currently being developed to establish a temporary facility in Pietermaritzburg to support ongoing operations.

The department reiterated its commitment to enforcing immigration legislation in a humane, lawful and orderly manner, while warning against any acts of incitement or violence directed at foreign nationals.