South African immigration authorities have disclosed that the overwhelming majority of Ghanaians who presented themselves for repatriation at OR Tambo International Airport were found to have been living in the country illegally, raising the prospect of formal enforcement action against those affected.
Home Affairs Immigration and Law Enforcement head Stephen van Neel confirmed the findings to reporters, revealing the scale of immigration violations uncovered during the process.
“Of the 300 individuals that were on that list, we only found 10 of them to be legal in the country. We obviously have to make sure that certain sanctions are enforced,” van Neel said, adding that authorities found widespread immigration violations among the group.
The disclosure came as the first group of Ghanaian returnees departed South Africa on Wednesday, May 27, as part of a government-coordinated evacuation exercise prompted by rising xenophobic tensions and growing safety fears among Ghanaian nationals in the country.
Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Benjamin Quashie, confirmed that more than 800 Ghanaians had registered for voluntary repatriation. He noted that while many of those seeking to leave had not been directly attacked, fear for their personal safety was the primary driver of their decision to return home.
“The responsibility of any government is towards its citizens,” Mr. Quashie said. “While we have excellent relations with South Africa, we had no option but to ensure that our citizens are safe.“
Back in Accra, the first batch of evacuees received a warm government reception at the Kotoka International Airport, where Chief of Staff Julius Debrah and Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa led a delegation to welcome the returnees.
Mr. Debrah offered words of encouragement to evacuees who arrived under difficult circumstances, urging them to look ahead with hope.
“Most importantly, we want to encourage our brothers and sisters that once they are back, they should be very optimistic and hopeful about the future. Sometimes God has different ways of opening new doors for us. As a nation, we shall always stand by our people, no matter where you find yourself. Be encouraged, and believe that it shall all end well,” he said.
To support the reintegration process, the government pledged transport assistance to destinations across Ghana, reintegration allowances, psychosocial support, and inclusion of returnees in a database for job and startup opportunities.
