Only 10 Out of 300 Evacuated Ghanaians Found to Be Legally Resident in South Africa – Officials Reveal
Immigration authorities at OR Tambo International Airport have disclosed that only 10 out of approximately 300 Ghanaians who presented themselves for evacuation were found to be legally resident in South Africa.
According to South African officials, preliminary checks revealed widespread immigration irregularities among the group, prompting possible enforcement actions as investigations continue.
Stephen van Neel, Head of Immigration and Law Enforcement at South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs, said authorities are reviewing the situation carefully.
“Of the 300 individuals that were on that list, we only found 10 of them to be legal in the country… We obviously have to make sure that certain sanctions are enforced,” he stated.
The development comes amid ongoing evacuation arrangements for Ghanaian nationals following rising concerns over safety and reports of xenophobic tensions in parts of South Africa.
The first group of returnees departed on Wednesday under a government-facilitated repatriation exercise coordinated by Ghana’s diplomatic mission and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa earlier announced that the evacuation effort was launched on May 25 in response to increasing insecurity concerns affecting Ghanaian nationals.
Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Benjamin Quashie, stated that more than 800 Ghanaians had registered for voluntary repatriation, although many were not directly targeted in attacks but opted to leave due to fear and uncertainty.
He emphasized that the priority of government was to ensure the safety of its citizens.
“The responsibility of any government is towards its citizens… While we have excellent relations with South Africa, we had no option but to ensure that our citizens are safe,” he said.
The first batch of evacuees arrived in Accra on Wednesday, May 27, where they were received by a government delegation led by Julius Debrah and the Foreign Minister.
Officials assured returnees of government support, including transport assistance to their hometowns, reintegration packages, psychosocial care, and inclusion in databases for job placement and entrepreneurship support.
Mr. Debrah encouraged the returnees to remain hopeful despite the difficult circumstances.
“As a nation, we shall always stand by our people, no matter where you find yourself,” he said.
