PRETORIA — South African authorities have identified more than 1,100 Malawian nationals gathered at a temporary camp in Durban as undocumented migrants and are preparing to deport them, the Department of Home Affairs said, amid growing tensions over immigration in the country.
According to South African media reports, the migrants are among thousands of Malawians who have sought refuge at Sherwood Hall in Durban after fleeing communities where anti-immigration protests and threats against foreign nationals have intensified in recent weeks.
Authorities have been processing those gathered at the site to determine their legal status and to arrange either voluntary repatriation or formal deportation.
Officials said the operation includes collecting personal information, travel histories and immigration records as part of a broader effort to document those affected. The Department of Home Affairs has also increased personnel on the ground as the number of people seeking assistance continues to rise.
The situation has highlighted growing concerns over immigration enforcement in South Africa, where some groups have called for tougher action against undocumented migrants.
Human rights organizations and activists, however, have warned of the humanitarian consequences facing families, women and children living in overcrowded temporary shelters while awaiting transportation back to Malawi.
Representatives of the Malawian government have been working with South African authorities to facilitate the return of their citizens, with priority expected to be given to vulnerable groups.
The developments come as immigration remains a politically sensitive issue in South Africa, where authorities face increasing pressure to strengthen border controls while balancing their obligations under international law to protect migrants and asylum seekers.
South Africa has experienced periodic outbreaks of anti-foreigner sentiment in recent years, with migrants from several African countries often becoming targets during periods of economic hardship and high unemployment. Make short headlines
