Undocumented Ghanaians repatriated as SA tightens immigration enforcement

South African immigration authorities have repatriated 295 Ghanaian nationals following an intensive documentation verification process at OR Tambo International Airport, in an operation that has reignited debate around illegal immigration and border enforcement in the country.

The Border Management Authority (BMA) confirmed on Thursday that hundreds of Ghanaian nationals were processed for departure on a chartered flight arranged by the Ghanaian government through its High Commission in Pretoria.

The operation formed part of ongoing immigration enforcement measures as authorities continue tightening controls against undocumented migration.

According to the BMA, 300 Ghanaian nationals presented themselves for processing before departure to Accra. Of those, 25 came from the Lindela Repatriation Centre under the supervision of the Department of Home Affairs’ Immigration Inspectorate, while 275 were transported by officials from the Ghanaian High Commission.

However, the immigration verification process revealed widespread documentation irregularities.

The BMA said approximately 90% of the travellers were undocumented and required Emergency Travel Certificates issued by the Ghanaian Embassy in order to leave South Africa.

“These are one-way travel documents that allow individuals to return to their country of origin,” the authority explained.

Immigration officials also found that many of the travellers had overstayed their visas for periods exceeding 30 days, while others had allegedly remained in South Africa unlawfully for more than a year.

As a result, the individuals were declared “undesirable” in terms of Section 30 of the Immigration Act and related immigration regulations.

The BMA said the operation demonstrated the importance of strict immigration compliance and proper travel documentation.

At the conclusion of the process, 295 passengers were cleared for departure and boarded the chartered aircraft back to Ghana.

Five passengers, however, were stopped from leaving the country after failing to meet legal immigration requirements.

One man was denied departure because he held a valid asylum seeker permit and had not withdrawn his protection application in South Africa.

Authorities said permitting his departure without formally cancelling the application would have violated international refugee protection protocols.

Another passenger was found carrying an expired passport and had not been issued with an Emergency Travel Certificate by the Ghanaian Embassy.

Meanwhile, a woman travelling with two minor children was prevented from boarding after failing to provide documentation proving her relationship to the children or consent from their legal guardian.

The BMA said the decisions were necessary to ensure compliance with South African immigration laws and child protection regulations.

“The travellers who were denied departure were handed back to the Ghanaian High Commissioner for future repatriation should they meet the relevant immigration requirements,” the authority stated.

BMA Commissioner Dr Michael Masiapato said the repatriation operation reflected the authority’s commitment to enforcing immigration legislation while facilitating lawful travel.

“This decisive action underscores the BMA’s uncompromising implementation of the South African legislative framework in its facilitation and management of people and goods movement in and out of the country,” Masiapato said.

The operation has since triggered strong reactions on social media platform X, where users debated the implications of illegal immigration, border security and rising tensions between South Africans and foreign nationals.

Some users argued that the BMA statement confirmed concerns that large numbers of undocumented migrants continue living in South Africa without valid permits.

Others criticised inflammatory anti-foreigner rhetoric circulating online and warned against xenophobic violence.

One widely shared post threatened retaliation against South Africans living in Ghana if attacks against Ghanaians were to occur in South Africa ahead of an alleged June 30 ultimatum demanding undocumented immigrants leave the country.

The comments sparked backlash from social media users who condemned calls for violence and urged restraint.

Other users pointed to the BMA findings as evidence contradicting claims that all the repatriated individuals possessed valid documentation.

“Please make sure to diplomatically share this information with the Ghana Embassy as it’s running a campaign saying their people’s paperwork was fine,” one user wrote.

The online debate comes as South Africa continues facing pressure over illegal immigration, unemployment and border management challenges.

Government authorities have intensified enforcement operations in recent months, including through Operation HI-TIVISE and other immigration compliance initiatives targeting undocumented foreign nationals.

Despite growing tensions online, authorities have repeatedly urged the public to avoid taking the law into their own hands and to report suspected illegal activities through official channels.

The BMA reiterated on Thursday that immigration enforcement operations would continue to be conducted within the framework of South African law and international obligations.

The authority also encouraged members of the public to report illegal cross-border activities through its hotline and online reporting systems.