Ghana High Commission Suspends New Registration for South Africa Evacuation Exercise
Ghana’s High Commission in South Africa has announced the temporary suspension of registration for its ongoing voluntary evacuation exercise, citing the need to process and verify a large number of applications already received.
In a statement issued on June 1, 2026, the mission said the suspension will take effect from Tuesday, June 2, to allow the High Commission and South African Home Affairs authorities sufficient time to screen and assess existing applications under the repatriation programme.
According to the statement, more than 1,500 Ghanaians living in South Africa have so far registered for the exercise, with verification and processing currently underway.
“The temporary suspension is to enable the High Commission and the Home Affairs process and screen the large number of applications already received,” the mission stated.
The High Commission clarified that the evacuation programme has not been terminated and assured Ghanaians who have not yet registered that another registration phase will be announced after the current applications are processed.
“The date of the next phase for the new registration will be communicated in due course,” the statement noted, adding that “the repatriation exercise has not yet ended.”
The mission further expressed appreciation to members of the Ghanaian community in South Africa for their cooperation, patience, and understanding throughout the process, describing their support as critical to ensuring a smooth and well-coordinated exercise.
The latest development comes amid growing interest in the voluntary repatriation programme following rising concerns over the safety and welfare of some Ghanaian nationals in South Africa.
Authorities say the temporary pause is necessary to ensure proper verification procedures are completed before the next phase of registration begins.
