South Africa says it has deported or repatriated more than 53,000 foreign nationals since it launched a “migration management” campaign about five weeks ago. Officials say the majority of those removed are from Malawi, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique, and they expect the numbers to rise as repatriations and deportations continue.

The government’s crackdown comes amid weeks of anti-immigration protests across the country, which have included violence, intimidation, and looting. Protesters have demanded tighter border controls and mass deportations, and have blamed undocumented migrants for problems such as unemployment, rising crime, and the strain on public services. The article notes that the UN has warned against scapegoating migrants for South Africa’s wider socioeconomic difficulties.

It also reports that protesters set an “unofficial deadline” of 30 June for undocumented migrants to leave South Africa. Many foreigners have left in the lead-up to and following that period to avoid intimidation and violence, and the piece adds that several other governments—including Ghana, Nigeria, Uganda, and Kenya—have flown their citizens home in recent weeks.

Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi is quoted as saying that 53,499 foreign nationals have been processed for deportation and repatriation, with the majority being Malawians, followed by Zimbabweans and Mozambicans. She said the aim is “orderly and regular migration” carried out with “human rights and dignity” for everyone in South Africa regardless of citizenship or immigration status.

Kubayi also said repatriation and deportation processes have helped identify people wanted by police for alleged criminal activity. Authorities will continue enforcing immigration laws, while warning that protesters should not carry out unauthorized searches of homes and businesses suspected of sheltering undocumented migrants.

The article concludes by noting that President Cyril Ramaphosa has acknowledged public concerns about immigration but condemned attacks against migrants and warned citizens not to take the law into their own hands.