A tense morning unfolded at OR Tambo international airport as the Border Management Authority processed 300 Ghanaian nationals for repatriation, just as reports of unrest and ultimatums targeting foreign nationals circulate in parts of the country.
Commissioner Dr Michael Masiapato confirmed that the BMA successfully processed the group for return to Ghana.
He explained that Twenty-five arrived from the Lindela holding facility, escorted by the Immigration Inspectorate and the remaining 275 were brought by the Ghanaian High Commission in Pretoria after weeks of coordination.
The operation took on added urgency against the backdrop of growing unease in several communities, where foreign nationals have been told to leave by 30 June.
While the BMA did not link the repatriation directly to those threats, officials stressed that all departures are being handled strictly within the law.
โDuring screening, nearly 90% of the travelers were found undocumented. Many had overstayed by months or years. The Ghanaian Embassy issued Emergency Travel Certificates to allow their return. Under Section 30 of the Immigration Act, they were declared undesirable and cleared to board the chartered flight arranged by the Ghanaian government.โ He said.
Additional, he said five were stopped at the final checkpoint and one held a valid asylum seeker permit and could not leave without canceling his protection claim.
Another had an expired passport with no emergency certificate, a third woman tried to travel with two children she claimed belonged to her sister but had no proof of relation or consent.
โThese decisions are not personal, they are legal,โ Masiapato said. โThis decisive action underscores the BMAโs uncompromising implementation of the South African legislative framework in its facilitation and management of people and goods movement in and out of the country.โ
The five denied departure were handed back to the Ghanaian High Commission. They will only fly out once they meet South Africaโs immigration requirements.
The BMA says it is prioritizing lawful, orderly processing to prevent chaos at ports of entry. Officials have urged foreign nationals to verify their status and avoid relying on unverified deadlines circulating on social media.
โSuspicious activity can be reported through Operation HI-TIVISE on 0801 229 019 or at http://www.bma.gov.za.โ
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