SOUTH AFRICA – The South African government has reaffirmed its commitment to providing humanitarian support for displaced migrants and vulnerable foreign nationals, the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on Migration announced in a statement issued on Friday. While emphasizing compassionate assistance, the committee stressed that national immigration laws will continue to be enforced in a lawful and orderly manner.
The IMC’s statement addressed concerns recently raised by the Siyafana Sonke Action Campaign regarding the treatment of migrants and foreign nationals in South Africa. The campaign had called for enhanced humanitarian support, protection for vulnerable populations, and greater clarity surrounding repatriation processes. In response, the government welcomed constructive engagement with civil society organizations, underscoring that migration management remains strictly guided by the Constitution, the rule of law, international obligations, and respect for human dignity.
The committee issued a strong condemnation of xenophobia, vigilantism, and violence directed at foreign nationals, emphasizing that the management of immigration, deportation, and repatriation is exclusively the responsibility of the state. The statement warned that individuals engaging in unlawful searches, harassment, intimidation, assault, or forced displacement will face the full consequences of the law.
Acknowledging public concerns regarding irregular migration, the government outlined its strategy to address these issues through President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Five-Point Plan on Migration Management. This comprehensive framework focuses on strengthening law enforcement, securing borders, improving migration systems, closing legislative gaps, and enhancing cooperation with other African nations.
Despite the focus on enforcement, humanitarian support remains central to the government’s response to recent displacement events. Government departments, provincial administrations, municipalities, health authorities, and humanitarian organizations are actively collaborating to deliver healthcare services, food, water, sanitation, and social support to affected individuals. Special protective measures have been implemented for children, women, and other vulnerable groups, with assistance coordinated alongside embassies, consulates, faith-based organizations, non-governmental organizations, and international partners.
The IMC acknowledged reports that some displaced foreign nationals have been forced to sleep in open spaces and unsuitable conditions. However, the committee noted that South Africa has frequently provided humanitarian and logistical support exceeding standard international repatriation requirements, particularly when vulnerable individuals are involved or when receiving countries are still finalizing logistical arrangements.
A significant portion of the statement sought to clarify misinformation surrounding the repatriation process. The IMC emphasized that repatriation is fundamentally voluntary and conducted in cooperation with both the affected individual and their country of origin.
The committee delineated the division of responsibilities: while South Africa handles identity verification, immigration compliance, security screening, and the facilitation of lawful departures, the primary responsibility for documenting citizens, issuing travel documents, and arranging transport rests with the governments and diplomatic missions of the countries of origin. Consequently, the IMC explained that delays in departures are often the result of complex administrative and logistical processes involving multiple stakeholders, and should not be interpreted as a lack of commitment by South African authorities.
The government expressed gratitude to several African nations for collaborating with South African authorities to facilitate the voluntary return of their nationals, specifically naming Malawi, Ghana, Nigeria, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe. Engagement with additional countries remains ongoing where necessary.
Reiterating its core objectives, the IMC affirmed the government’s dedication to protecting all individuals in South Africa from violence and intimidation, enforcing immigration laws fairly, collaborating with foreign governments on orderly repatriation, providing necessary humanitarian assistance, and promoting social cohesion while actively countering misinformation.
The committee confirmed it will maintain ongoing dialogue with civil society organizations, including the Siyafana Sonke Action Campaign, as well as faith-based organizations, business entities, labor groups, and community leaders.
“Migration management and humanitarian protection are not mutually exclusive objectives,” the statement concluded. “South Africa remains committed to pursuing both in a manner that is lawful, humane and consistent with our constitutional values.”
