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● TRACKER Updated 2d ago · 49 sources tracked

Why immigrants are leaving South Africa

Tens of thousands of immigrants are leaving South Africa due to escalating anti-migration anger and violent attacks. Many have voluntarily departed or crossed into Spanish territory of Ceuta. The situation remains volatile with ongoing protests and police deployments. The departures have significant economic and humanitarian implications, particularly in industries reliant on migrant labour.

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What changed

The number of Zimbabweans returning from South Africa has surpassed 115,000 since May 28, with most returning on their own rather than through government repatriation.

Live updates

  1. Tens of thousands flee South Africa amid anti-migrant unrest

    Tens of thousands of immigrants are leaving South Africa due to escalating anti-migration anger and violent attacks. Many have voluntarily departed or crossed into Spanish territory of Ceuta. The situation remains volatile with ongoing protests and police deployments. The departures have significant economic and humanitarian implications, particularly in industries reliant on migrant labour.

    Why it matters

    The outflow of immigrants from South Africa has been driven by recent anti-migrant protests and violent attacks. This has exposed the country's economic dependence on migrant workers, especially in the clothing and textile industry. The situation has raised concerns about labour markets, wages, and the future of South African manufacturing.

    What is confirmed

    • More than 115 000 Zimbabweans have returned from South Africa since 28 May
    • South Africa's clothing and textile industry is heavily dependent on migrant labour
    • Many factories in South Africa are struggling to maintain production due to the departure of foreign workers

    Still unconfirmed

    • Nigeria has not received a request from South Africa to pay back for repatriated citizens

    What to watch next

    • Further developments in anti-migrant protests and police responses
    • The impact on South Africa's economy and industries reliant on migrant labour
    • The repatriation process and potential international responses
    Sources used for this update (10)
    1. iol.co.za — South Africa's Clothing Industry Is Learning a Difficult Lesson About Labour and Economic Dependence
    2. baynews9.com — Temporary protected status expires, leaving many facing uncertain future
    3. groundup.org.za — South African jobs at stake as March and March close immigrant shops in Mdantsane
    4. mg.co.za — Our greatest brand threat wears our colours
    5. cowboystatedaily.com — Cowboy State Daily Video Newscast: Tuesday, August 11, 2026
    6. www.capetownetc.com — More than 115 000 Zimbabweans have returned from South Africa
    7. www.bbc.com — 'We neva receive any request' - Nigeria react to South Africa request for pay back ova repatriated citizens
    8. thinktank.pk — Muslims Against Muslims? Why Rohingya Refugees Are Under Attack in Malaysia?
    9. inews.co.uk — The Norwegian habit that transformed my sleep, and my marriage
    10. inews.co.uk — Universities at risk of going bust before 2026 freshers finish their degrees
    confidence 90%

  2. South Africa xenophobia drives immigrants to leave

    Tens of thousands of migrants are leaving South Africa amid escalating anti-migration anger and violent attacks. The situation remains volatile as protests continue and police deploy forces to prevent further unrest. Many immigrants have voluntarily left or crossed into Spanish territory of Ceuta in recent days. The departures have significant economic and humanitarian implications.

    Why it matters

    The violence and xenophobia in South Africa have been ongoing, with various factors contributing to the tensions. The country's economic challenges and high unemployment rates have been cited as underlying causes. The situation has drawn international attention and concern.

    What is confirmed

    • Di pan-African public speaker Patrick Lumumba say South Africans dey suffer from Stockholm syndrome and dem need love and not hate from fellow Africans.
    • Emmanuel Akuoko, a Ghanaian entrepreneur, was forced to dismantle more than a decade of his life in just a few days due to xenophobia.
    • The economic cost of anti-migrant xenophobia is being felt in South Africa.

    Still unconfirmed

    • Questions grow over Malawi President Mutharika's repeated private trips to South Africa

    What to watch next

    • Further developments in the South African government's response to the xenophobia and violence
    • The impact of the departures on South Africa's economy and humanitarian situation
    • The reaction of the international community to the situation
    Sources used for this update (6)
    1. www.bbc.com — Patrick Lumumba call for apology, compensation to victims South Africa xenophobia
    2. www.africanews.com — Xenophobia shatters Ghanaian entrepreneur's dream in South Africa
    3. www.miragenews.com — Israel Emigration Stays at Record High, Study Shows
    4. www.thenewhumanitarian.org — South Africa feels the economic cost of anti-migrant xenophobia
    5. malawi24.com — Mutharika leaves Malawi for South Africa on fourth private trip
    6. mg.co.za — While South Africa debates borders, it is losing its breadbasket
    confidence 85%

  3. Thousands of migrants leave South Africa amid anti-migration unrest

    Tens of thousands of migrants have voluntarily left South Africa or crossed into Spanish territory of Ceuta in recent days. The departures come as anti-migration anger and violent attacks escalate in South Africa. Protests continue as police deploy forces to prevent further unrest. The situation remains volatile.

    Why it matters

    The exodus of migrants from South Africa and their attempts to enter other countries has reignited the immigration debate in Europe and beyond. The issue has sparked tensions between Spain and Morocco, with thousands of migrants crossing into Ceuta, a Spanish enclave in North Africa. The situation is being closely watched by authorities and human rights groups.

    What is confirmed

    • Tens of thousands of migrants who crossed into Spain's tiny Ceuta territory have returned voluntarily to Morocco.
    • Approximately 48,000 individuals were returned by Spanish authorities amid reports of food shortages and inadequate shelter.
    • The South African Government has denied claims that Nigerian singer Ayra Starr and members of her entourage were refused visas to enter the country.

    Still unconfirmed

    • Citizen-led groups had set an unofficial deadline for undocumented migrants to depart South Africa.

    What to watch next

    • Further developments in anti-migration protests in South Africa
    • Spain and Morocco's handling of the migrant crisis in Ceuta
    • The impact on European immigration policies
    Sources used for this update (9)
    1. eu.usatoday.com — Spain, Morocco halt deadly rush on Spanish enclave in north Africa
    2. www.bostonherald.com — Tens of thousands of migrants voluntarily leave after crossing into Spanish territory of Ceuta
    3. www.naijanews.com — Tyla Cancels Nigeria Concert As South Africa Denies Rejecting Ayra Starr Visa Application
    4. www.timesnownews.com — 'Ceuta Was Like a Prison': Why Thousands of Migrants Returned to Morocco After Crossing Into Spain
    5. nairametrics.com — Nigeria’s AI boom depends on one thing government hasn’t fixed
    6. inews.co.uk — Spat at in the street while living on £7 a day: The UK life of an asylum seeker
    7. sports.yahoo.com — "When we heard Andres Escobar had been killed, everyone kept silent for the whole morning" How the Colombia...
    8. tucson.com — With court ruling in place, UA basketball signs Clemson transfer forward RJ Godfrey
    9. tucson.com — How to navigate loan assumptions in today’s housing market
    confidence 85%

  4. Immigrants flee South Africa amid rising xenophobia

    Thousands of African immigrants have left South Africa due to increased anti-migration anger and violent attacks. Citizen-led groups had set an unofficial deadline for undocumented migrants to depart. Protests continue as police deploy forces to prevent further unrest. The situation remains volatile.

    What's confirmed:

    • Thousands of African immigrants have left South Africa following a rise in anti-migration anger and violent attacks.
    • Citizen-led groups set an unofficial June 30 deadline for undocumented migrants to depart.
    • Protests continue as police deploy forces to prevent further unrest.
    • Renewed concerns over xenophobia continue to shape perceptions of South Africa.

    Still unconfirmed:

    • Caribbean countries balance reparations demands with deportation cooperation involving displaced American residents.
    Sources used for this update (3)
    1. Can Caribbean demand reparations while helping America deport displaced?
    2. Trevor Noah’s South Africa campaign draws xenophobia backlash
    3. Britain’s Jews have been betrayed by mass migration
    confidence 80%

  5. Thousands of Immigrants Flee South Africa Amid Anti-Foreigner Violence

    Thousands of African immigrants have left South Africa following a rise in anti-migration anger and violent attacks. Citizen-led groups set an unofficial June 30 deadline for undocumented migrants to depart. Protests continue as police deploy forces to prevent further unrest.

    What's confirmed:

    • Thousands of foreign nationals fled South Africa in the weeks leading up to June 30.
    • Anti-immigration groups established a June 30 deadline for undocumented migrants to leave.
    • More than 2,000 anti-foreigner protesters marched through Durban city centre after the deadline passed.
    • South African police deployed personnel to head off unrest and protests.
    • A rise in anti-migration anger has sparked attacks against foreigners.

    Still unconfirmed:

    • 25,000 foreigners have fled South Africa.
    • Over 116,000 Zimbabweans have crossed back into their homeland recently.
    • Poverty and political manipulation are driving the violent movement against migrants.
    Sources used for this update (11)
    1. 'They will attack me if I stay': immigrants in South Africa flee for ...
    2. South African anti-migrant protests: Thousands march amid heavy ... - BBC
    3. Thousands of foreign nationals leave South Africa ahead of June 30 ...
    4. Why immigrants are leaving South Africa and the country is on edge ...
    5. 25,000 foreigners flee South Africa as unofficial deadline to leave ...
    6. Immigrants are leaving South Africa as protests grow over illegal ...
    7. ‘This is our land’: Why one woman fights to expel South Africa’s migrants
    8. South Africa: Turning a crisis into a continental conversation on migration and Africa’s future, By Mcebisi Jonas
    9. 'It's Afrophobia, not xenophobia': Pan-Africanist explains why language matters in SA's migration debate
    10. South Africa: Forgive South Africans for They Know Not What They Do
    11. The Ruthless Homecoming: Why 116,000 Zimbabweans Fleeing Violence in South Africa Face a New Nightmare at Home!
    confidence 90%

  6. Thousands of Migrants Flee South Africa Ahead of June 30 Deadline

    African immigrants are leaving South Africa following a surge in anti-migration anger and attacks on foreigners. Anti-immigration groups have established a June 30 deadline for migrants to depart. South African police and private security have increased measures as the country remains on edge.

    What's confirmed:

    • Thousands of African immigrants are leaving South Africa due to rising anti-migration anger and attacks against foreigners.
    • Anti-immigration groups have set a June 30 deadline for migrants to leave the country.
    • South African police have tightened security as the anti-migrant deadline approaches.

    Still unconfirmed:

    • Two men told Malawian gardener Kaunga Nyirenda to leave or face death.
    Sources used for this update (15)
    1. Why immigrants are leaving South Africa — as country is on edge ahead of June 30 ‘deadline’
    2. Why immigrants are leaving South Africa and the country is on edge ahead of a June 30 'deadline'
    3. 'They came with machetes' - deadline looms for migrants to leave South Africa
    4. Thousands of migrants flee South Africa ahead of anti-foreigner ultimatum
    5. South African police tighten security as anti-migrant deadline approaches
    6. South African bishop calls for calm ahead of anti-migrant deadline
    7. eNCA News Bite | Police readiness, fuel cuts and Bafana 3am kick-off | 24 June 2026
    8. Private security mobilises to back police, counter misinformation ahead of 30 June protests
    9. Tony Leon: State has been ‘hollowed out’ ahead of planned 30 June march
    10. Why immigrants are leaving South Africa and the country is on edge ...
    11. Why immigrants are leaving South Africa and the country is on ... - Yahoo
    12. 'Leave or return in a coffin': The threat driving migrants out of South ...
    confidence 90%