Ghana Repatriates Citizens as Immigration Tensions Rise in South Africa
With tensions simmering in South Africa and protesters demanding tougher action on immigration, Ghana has started flying home its nationals in a move aimed at heading off the threat of xenophobic violence.
With tensions simmering in South Africa and protesters demanding tougher action on immigration, Ghana has started flying home its nationals in a move aimed at heading off the threat of xenophobic violence.
Ghanaian authorities began repatriating the first group of citizens from South Africa as fears grew over anti-immigrant demonstrations and the possibility of attacks on foreigners. Around 300 people were expected to depart from Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport, and 800 Ghanaians have registered to return home. Some migrants said they no longer felt safe after protests spearheaded by the March and March movement, which has issued a 30 June deadline for illegal immigrants to leave the country.
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Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Benjamin Quashie, said the government was acting to safeguard its citizens and would help those returning through reintegration programmes. South African authorities have condemned attacks on foreigners while also acknowledging concerns about illegal immigration. The Ghanaian community in South Africa is estimated at 25,000.
