Thousands of Migrants Rush to Leave South Africa Ahead of Anti-Immigrant Deadline

Thousands of undocumented migrants are scrambling to leave South Africa as anti-immigrant tensions continue to rise ahead of an unofficial June 30 deadline set by vigilante groups demanding that undocumented foreigners leave the country.

Among them is 30-year-old Malawian John Allen, who packed a few belongings, said goodbye to his South African girlfriend and their one-year-old son, and joined thousands waiting at a makeshift camp in Durban for transport out of the country.

Although the South African government has not endorsed the deadline and has condemned violence against migrants, it has faced criticism from African governments and civil society groups for failing to stop the attacks.

Allen said leaving his young son behind was heartbreaking. His girlfriend earns about 500 rand ($30) a week as a cleaner, while he had been making nearly four times that amount through contract work at a manufacturing company despite being undocumented.

He said anti-immigrant protests had turned violent in his neighborhood, with some foreigners assaulted, forcing many to flee.

“I have only two choices: lose my life or leave,” Allen told Reuters while waiting alongside other migrants surrounded by piles of luggage.

Hundreds of people remained at the Durban camp on Monday, where Malawians and other migrants gathered for safety before protests expected on Tuesday. Although anti-immigrant groups claim to target only undocumented migrants, legal residents have also reportedly been attacked and had their property destroyed.

Women, children and babies sheltered on blankets and cardboard while aid organizations distributed food and clothing. Some families have waited for more than a week as buses continue transporting people out of the city.

South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs has established a processing center at the camp to handle deportations, with authorities focusing on moving migrants to the Musina border post before the anticipated protests.

Many migrants said they feared remaining in South Africa beyond the deadline, worrying that the violence could worsen.

Amadou Awali, who has worked in plumbing and construction in South Africa since 2019, said he was devastated to leave behind his two young sons because their mother cannot support them financially.

“I’m worried about my children,” Awali said, adding that he hopes to return to South Africa in a few months.