The Ghana High Commission has begun processing Ghanaian nationals seeking repatriation from South Africa following escalating tensions linked to illegal immigration concerns.
On Sunday, the first group of 300 Ghanaians was processed by officials from the Department of Home Affairs and immigration authorities ahead of their scheduled departure on Wednesday.
A further 800 Ghanaian nationals expected to leave later this week are set to undergo processing on Monday and Tuesday as preparations continue.
South Africa Illegal Immigration Concerns Trigger Repatriation Requests
The move comes amid growing demonstrations across parts of South Africa, where some residents have expressed frustration over what they perceive as an increasing number of undocumented migrants in the country.
Social media platforms have also seen a surge in posts from South Africans criticising what they describe as the government’s failure to tackle illegal immigration effectively.
Some citizens have accused undocumented migrants of contributing to rising crime levels, unemployment and drug-related problems.
In response to the tensions and protests, the Ghana High Commission has started handling applications from nationals who have indicated they wish to return to Ghana.
Ghanaian Nationals Share Experiences During Processing
One 58-year-old Ghanaian man said he had been living in South Africa for more than two decades.
According to him, he initially entered the country using a tourist visa before later obtaining asylum documentation following what he described as a family dispute in Ghana.
When questioned about whether he had taken advantage of South Africa’s asylum system, he pointed to the Department of Home Affairs.
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“Okay, if I am abusing it, I went to the Home Affairs, why didn’t they tell me, ‘We can’t offer you a permit’ and they offered me a permit, so it’s their fault – it’s not my fault. If they denied me, I would go back, but they accepted me and gave me the asylum [visa].”
Other Ghanaian nationals undergoing the process said they were grateful for the assistance being provided by their government.
The Times Post learned that authorities are continuing with processing arrangements ahead of the planned departures later this week.
