South Africa is stepping up efforts to accelerate the repatriation of Malawian nationals from Durban to Lilongwe, as the process enters another week.
The first group departed on Sunday, with women and children given priority. Their return comes nearly a month after hundreds of Malawians requested assistance to travel back home amid tensions linked to undocumented foreign nationals in the country.
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Government authorities said buses have been made available for the operation and have called for further transport assistance to help move more people.
South Africa Expands Repatriation Efforts In Durban
Members of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Migration said work is continuing to facilitate the return of Malawian nationals while also addressing the needs of another group of migrants in Durban.
Officials indicated that many of the foreign nationals currently being processed had either remained in South Africa beyond the validity of their visas or were residing in the country unlawfully.
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Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi reiterated that all repatriation processes must be conducted in accordance with the law.
The government has maintained that the operation will continue while ensuring that all legal requirements are observed throughout the process.
