Immigration officials from the Department of Home Affairs reconcile documents in order to process documentation for migrants at the Sherwood Park in Durban on June 14, 2026 after fleeing their homes amid fears of xenophobic attacks. South Africa has repatriated 2,745 foreigners in the week after President Cyril Ramaphosa vowed tougher action against illegal immigration, the country's home affairs minister said on June 14, 2026. One of Africa's largest economies, South Africa has long attracted migrant workers from across the continent, both legally and illegally. But saddled with an unemployment rate bove 30 percent, it has also experienced recurring spurts of anti-immigrant unrest, including fresh violence in recent weeks. Growing security fears after businesses were looted and foreigners targeted have prompted citizens of Nigeria, Malawi, Ghana, Zimbabwe and Mozambique to accept voluntary repatriation organised by their governments. (Photo by RAJESH JANTILAL / AFP via Getty Images)