Only 10 of 300 Ghanaians repatriated were in South Africa legally, officials say

In a startling revelation that has added a new layer of complexity to the ongoing migration crisis, South African authorities have disclosed that only 10 out of nearly 300 Ghanaian nationals who were repatriated on May 27, 2026, were residing in the country legally. The remaining 290 individuals were found to be in violation of the country’s immigration laws .

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This news comes as the first batch of evacuees arrived in Accra, fleeing a volatile environment of anti-immigrant protests in South Africa led by the "March and March" movement .

The Shocking Compliance Check

As the chartered buses arrived at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg in the early hours of Wednesday, South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs conducted mandatory passenger screenings. The results were staggering.

According to Stephen van Neel, Head of Immigration and Law Enforcement at the Department of Home Affairs, the data was clear.

“Of the 300 individuals that were on that list, we only found 10 of them being legal in the country,” van Neel told reporters. He added that the rest were either undocumented, non-compliant with visa conditions, or had overstayed their permits .

While these individuals were permitted to board the flight to Accra as part of the voluntary repatriation program, South African officials noted that administrative sanctions would still be applied to those who violated immigration laws .

Why The Mass Repatriation Happened

The evacuation, which involved a fleet of buses and police vans at OR Tambo, was prompted by escalating security fears. An estimated 25,000 Ghanaians live in South Africa, and hundreds have decided to leave due to recent demonstrations .

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The protests, organized by the citizen-led group "March and March," have targeted undocumented migrants, accusing them of straining public services and taking jobs. The group has issued a June 30 deadline for illegal immigrants to leave the country, sparking fears of a resurgence in deadly xenophobic violence .

Rudolph, a salon owner who has lived in South Africa for a decade, told the BBC: “It’s not comfortable for us to stay here anymore… I think we will find peace at home” .

Diplomatic Fallout and Reintegration

Despite the tense statistics, both governments have moved to ensure the situation does not devolve into a diplomatic row or retaliatory attacks.

Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Benjamin Kofi Quashie, has firmly ruled out reprisals against South Africans living in Ghana.

“Ever since this whole March and March started, have you seen any Ghanaian in the streets of Accra going after any South Africans? No. We believe that if there are any South Africans that need to be repatriated, it’s the responsibility of the state institutions,” Quashie stated .

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Furthermore, Ghana’s government is taking responsibility for the returnees—legal or not. The administration of President John Dramani Mahama has rolled out a robust reintegration plan.

· Financial Support: Returnees are receiving "welcome-home" financial packages and transportation allowances .

· Social Services: The government has arranged for psychosocial and medical support, including psychologists and nurses, to help returnees process potential trauma .

· Economic Reintegration: Evacuees will be enrolled in a database for job placement and startup opportunities, including the proposed 24-hour economy initiative and apprenticeship programs .

High Commissioner Quashie noted that the evacuation helps South Africa by removing undocumented persons but is primarily an effort to save lives and ensure dignity. “The government is willing to establish them into whatever business they were doing in South Africa,” he said, acknowledging that some of those leaving were indeed undocumented .

What Happens Next?

A second repatriation flight is expected later this week to bring home the remaining registered citizens who were turned away during the initial checks due to documentation issues .

Citinewsroom⬇️

Only 10 of 300 Ghanaians evacuated were in South Africa legally – SA Official says

This incident highlights the precarious balance of immigration in South Africa, where economic strain fuels anti-foreigner sentiment, yet many migrants—even those without papers—have mm established deep roots over decades.

As the June 30 deadline approaches, the world watches to see how South Africa balances enforcement with human rights, and how Ghana manages the return of thousands of its citizens.

Disclaimer: This article is based on information available as of May 28, 2026, sourced from SABC News, the BBC, GhanaWeb, and official government statements.