Cape Town – The Department of Home Affairs says it has recorded its highest number of deportations of illegal immigrants in five years.
In the financial year ending March 31, at least 46,898 people were deported — an 18% increase from the previous year.
The total number of deportations for the past five years are as follows:
- 2020/21: 14 859
- 2021/22: 20 093
- 2022/23: 22 560
- 2023/24: 39 672
- 2024/25: 46 898
Minister Leon Schreiber credited the rise to improved collaboration with the Border Management Authority, police, and local law enforcement, as well as joint initiatives like Operation Vala Umgodi, which targets illegal mining.
The number of deportations exceeded those in France (22,000) and Germany (20,000) combined.
“Over the financial year that ended 31 March, Home Affairs increased deportation of illegal immigrants to 46 898. This is more than France (22 000) and Germany (20 000) combined. This is 18% more than the year before – and triple the number of 5 years ago. Rule of law in action,” the minister said
Over the financial year that ended 31 March, Home Affairs increased deportation of illegal immigrants to 46 898. This is more than France (22 000) and Germany (20 000) combined. This is 18% more than the year before – and triple the number of 5 years ago. Rule of law in action 🇿🇦 pic.twitter.com/Tmavf4sqYP
— Leon Schreiber (@Leon_Schreib) April 2, 2025
Schreiber emphasised that this crackdown signals the end of impunity for offenders and aligns with digital reforms aimed at automating border control for improved national security and trade facilitation.
“The fact that Home Affairs now performs more than double the number of deportations conducted in a country like France, which has the highest rate of deportations in the European Union, sends a clear message to offenders that the days of impunity are over.
“This improved performance, coupled with our digital transformation reforms that will automate entry-and-exit to prevent people from entering the country illegally through our ports of entry, is contributing to enhanced national security and trade facilitation.”
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
