By Zobia Zulfqar 
South African authorities have processed more than 15,000 Malawian nationals for repatriation as tensions continue to rise ahead of an unofficial June 30 deadline set by anti-immigration groups demanding undocumented migrants leave the country.
The situation has left thousands of Malawians stranded in temporary camps in the cities of Durban and Pietermaritzburg, where many are waiting for transport back to Malawi amid growing fears of violence.
Citizen-led groups have backed the self-imposed deadline following weeks of demonstrations, attacks on businesses, and threats directed at undocumented foreign nationals. The unrest has already claimed lives, with reports indicating that two Mozambican nationals and one Malawian have been killed during recent incidents linked to the protests.
The deteriorating security situation has forced many migrants to seek shelter in makeshift camps while awaiting verification and transportation.
According to South African officials, conditions inside the temporary facilities have become increasingly difficult as the number of people seeking assistance continues to rise.
Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi described the situation at the camps as “untenable,” saying authorities were working to speed up the verification and repatriation process.
She confirmed that 15,162 Malawian nationals had already been processed for deportation or voluntary repatriation, while thousands more were still undergoing identity verification and documentation checks.
Officials from the Department of Home Affairs said more than 90 percent of those processed were undocumented migrants or individuals whose passports and travel documents had expired.
The verification exercise aims to establish the legal status of each individual before arrangements are made for their return to Malawi.
By Friday evening, AFP journalists reported that more than 2,000 people were still waiting outside one of the processing centres in Durban, hoping to complete registration before transportation becomes available.
Many families have been living under difficult conditions with limited access to basic services as they wait for buses to begin the approximately 2,000-kilometre journey back to Malawi.
Humanitarian organisations have expressed concern over overcrowding, sanitation and food supplies at the temporary camps, warning that prolonged delays could worsen conditions for vulnerable groups, including children and elderly migrants.
The current crisis follows weeks of growing anti-immigration sentiment in parts of South Africa, where some community groups argue that undocumented migrants place additional pressure on jobs, healthcare and public services.
However, rights organisations have condemned the violence and intimidation targeting foreign nationals, urging authorities to ensure the safety of all migrants regardless of their immigration status.
South African officials have stressed that the government has not endorsed the June 30 ultimatum issued by citizen groups and continues to manage immigration matters through existing legal processes.
Authorities say security agencies remain on high alert to prevent further violence as the unofficial deadline approaches.
The Malawian government is also working with South African officials to facilitate the safe return of its citizens while providing assistance to those affected by the ongoing unrest.
The repatriation effort is expected to continue over the coming days as officials seek to reduce overcrowding at processing centres and ensure migrants are transported safely back home.
The situation remains fluid, with thousands of Malawians still awaiting clearance as concerns grow over possible renewed protests after the June 30 deadline.