Processing of foreign nationals at the Musina Repatriation Centre in South Africa's Limpopo Province is continuing as authorities work to clear a growing backlog of undocumented migrants awaiting deportation.
Thousands of Zimbabwean and Malawian nationals remain at the facility waiting to return to their home countries following recent anti-undocumented migration protests that led to increased immigration enforcement operations.
Authorities say additional buses are expected to arrive at the repatriation centre to speed up the transportation of those cleared for deportation and ease congestion at the facility.
The backlog comes amid heightened tensions over undocumented migration in parts of South Africa, where protests have intensified pressure on authorities to act against illegal immigration. The ongoing repatriation process has seen large numbers of foreign nationals processed before being transported to border posts for return to their respective countries.
Malawian authorities have not yet announced how many of their citizens are expected to be repatriated in the latest operation, but officials are expected to coordinate with their South African counterparts to facilitate their return.
The developments have renewed attention on migration, border management, and the welfare of migrant workers, many of whom left their home countries in search of employment opportunities in South Africa.
