South Africa’s government has sought reimbursement from nations including Nigeria, Malawi, and Ethiopia, covering transit and deportation expenses accrued during an immigration crackdown. The demand has triggered diplomatic pushback, as Nigeria has been urged to reject the request and Ghana has conducted evacuations of its citizens.
The Anatomy of Pretoria’s Multi-Million Dollar Invoice
Between June 14 and July 24, 2026, South African authorities processed and deported 68,138 foreign nationals under the government’s ‘Five-Point Plan’ to strengthen migration management. Nkhensani Mmamoloko Kubayi, Chairperson of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Migration, outlined that the majority of those processed originated from Malawi, followed by Zimbabwean and Mozambican nationals. Law enforcement registered 354 cases of arrests and prosecutions against individuals regarding migration issues.
Pretoria approached foreign governments for reimbursement for expenses including transportation, temporary accommodation, and repatriation facilities, as well as staff-related expenses. Reports indicate the costs total about R292 million ($18.5 million).
Diplomatic Defiance from Abuja and Regional Fallout
Denge Josef Onoh, a former Enugu State House of Assembly member and former South-East spokesman for President Bola Tinubu, has rejected the reported demand for Nigeria to reimburse expenses. Onoh argued that the demand should be subjected to a diplomatic and legal review, stating that costs incurred by South African authorities in managing immigration-related operations should not automatically be transferred to other sovereign governments.
Onoh pointed to historical context, noting that Nigeria’s support for the anti-apartheid movement between 1960 and 1994 included diplomatic efforts, humanitarian assistance, and other forms of solidarity. He stated that Nigeria’s cumulative support is estimated at $61 billion.
Meanwhile, Ghana has engaged in the evacuation of its citizens. According to the Ghana Foreign Affairs Ministry, approximately 1,000 Ghanaian nationals registered with the Ghana High Commission in Pretoria to voluntarily leave the country. Ghanaian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sam Okudzeto Ablakwa confirmed that evacuation exercises were conducted to assist citizens in returning home safely.
| Metric Indicator | Reported Figure / Detail | Primary Nationality / Context |
|---|---|---|
| Total Deportations (June 14 – July 24) | 68,138 individuals | Primarily Malawian, Zimbabwean, and Mozambican nationals |
| Requested Repatriation Bill | R292 million (~$18.5 million) | Requested from Nigeria, Malawi, and Ethiopia |
| Arrests and Prosecutions | 354 registered cases | Targeting illegal migration and employing undocumented workers |
| Ghanaian Voluntary Evacuation | ~1,000 citizens | Evacuated in late July |
Militant Vigilantism and the Domestic Security Vacuum
South African authorities have warned groups conducting door-to-door searches of foreign nationals’ documents to stop, noting these actions interfere with official work. The Chairperson of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Migration stated that some individuals have been impersonating Home Affairs officials to target foreign nationals and businesses for illegal identity searches and extortion. Police have arrested seven people for this practice.
Geoeconomic Repercussions Across the Continent
Onoh has called for consultations among Nigeria, Malawi, Ethiopia, and other affected countries to develop a coordinated position on the reported repatriation expenses and to address concerns relating to the welfare, property, and business interests of their nationals in South Africa.
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