IMC: 90% of 80,000 Foreign Nationals Processed for Deportation Entered SA Illegally
- IMC chairperson Mmamoloko Kubayi released data on the repatriation of foreign nationals processed between 14 June and 20 August 2026
- Of those processed, 90% had entered South Africa illegally, with the majority classified as border jumpers
- The government also announced a major infrastructure change affecting how future deportations will be handled
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SOUTH AFRICA — Unauthorised entries accounted for 90% of the more than 80,000 foreign nationals processed for removal from South Africa from mid-June to late August 2026.
Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) head Mmamoloko Kubayi made the disclosures during a progress report covering state migration measures over the nine-week window. Official statistics show that 95% of those undocumented individuals were logged as border jumpers.
Kubayi remarked that at least 90 percent of repatriated foreigners entered the country illegally, and 95% jumped the border. Zimbabwean and Mozambican nationals representing the next largest contingents. The Home Affairs department maintains ongoing coordination with affected diplomatic missions to arrange citizen returns.
Alongside the removal statistics, authorities confirmed the closure of the Musina Temporary Repatriation Processing Centre (TRPC). Built to absorb high volume, the Limpopo-based facility recorded a steep drop-off in usage, logging a low of 58 cases in August.
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Decreased activity prompted the IMC to cease operations and dismantle the site on 21 August 2026, transferring removal procedures back to standard administrative pipelines.
Kubayi said that the Repatriation Centre has been decommissioned after it was shut down. She added that this heralded the return to normal immigration law enforcement operations.
BMA intercepts foreign nationals attempting illegal entry
In a related article, Briefly News reported on the Border Management Authority's interception of over 4,000 foreign nationals attempting to enter South Africa illegally amidst the ongoing challenges of undocumented migration. This situation follows a significant wave of deportations and a national deadline prompting many undocumented individuals to leave the country, yet the attempt to return reveals the complexities involved in managing border security.
Source: Briefly News
