South African Refugees Fear Fresh Attacks as September 30 Anti-Immigration Deadline Approaches

Image Credit: EPA

Refugees and asylum seekers in South Africa are facing renewed fears of violence as September 30 approaches, when the anti-immigration group March and March has called for undocumented foreign nationals to leave the country. Refugees say the campaign has increased anxiety in communities already affected by previous attacks and displacement.

The latest tensions have been particularly serious in Durban, where hundreds of refugees and asylum seekers had been living outside the Department of Home Affairs’ Refugee Reception Centre after saying they fled attacks and intimidation in their communities. The group included people from countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, Uganda, Mozambique and Tanzania.

South African authorities later moved to clear the makeshift camp. On September 15, 274 people were transported from Durban to the Lindela Repatriation Centre in Gauteng, while others remained behind or sought alternative accommodation. Officials said discussions were continuing over longer-term solutions, including possible resettlement assistance.

The September 30 deadline is not an official government deportation order. Immigration enforcement remains the responsibility of South African authorities, while police have warned that demonstrations must remain within the law. The government has also urged people not to take immigration enforcement into their own hands.

At the same time, South Africa has stepped up immigration enforcement. Government figures show that more than 86,000 foreign nationals were processed for deportation or repatriation between June and August. Authorities say the operations are aimed at enforcing immigration laws and addressing illegal border crossings, fraudulent documentation, human trafficking and organised crime.

The current situation follows months of growing anti-immigration sentiment. During protests in June, some foreign nationals reportedly left their homes because of fears of attacks. Refugee groups say the hostility can affect people with valid documentation as well as undocumented migrants, while March and March maintains that its campaign is focused on illegal immigration.

South Africa has experienced major outbreaks of xenophobic violence in the past, including deadly attacks in 2008 and 2015. With September 30 approaching, refugee communities are therefore watching developments closely, while authorities face pressure to maintain public order and protect people from violence as immigration remains a highly sensitive issue.