Nearly 300 Ghanaians repatriated from South Africa following anti-immigrant tensions

Nearly 300 Ghanaian nationals have been repatriated from South Africa to Ghana following a series of protests and anti-immigrant tensions, according to reports by Reuters.

The group, which included children, left Johannesburg for Accra as part of a voluntary repatriation program organized in coordination with the authorities of both countries. Several of those involved indicated they no longer felt safe in South Africa.

South African authorities stated they are working with their Ghanaian counterparts on a list of approximately 800 people who have expressed a desire to leave the country. They also indicated that the majority of those returning do not have legal residency status.

A South African immigration official stated that, of the 300 people repatriated, only about ten were in a regular situation, the others not complying with the immigration rules in force.

The Ghanaian embassy in Pretoria has issued emergency travel documents to facilitate the return of the affected nationals.

The authorities of both countries say they want to continue their cooperation, while calling for respect for migration laws and the prevention of xenophobic violence.