Migrants Fear for Safety as South Africans Enforce Unofficial Deadline in Xenophobic Protest

South Africa: Tensions flared once again early Tuesday, June 30, in South Africa as citizens demand undocumented foreigners or aliens to leave the country following the climax of an unofficial deadline set by campaigners in the ongoing anti-immigration protest.

Reporters say a huge presence of Police officers have been deployed across South Africa due to fears that anti-immigration protests could turn violent.

The protest intensifies after as campaigns say the June 30, 2026 unofficial deadline date set has elapsed.

According to local media reports, many migrants have already fled to escape violence and intimidation. South African police say 25,000 have been repatriated so far. Most are from other African countries.

As per current statistics, there are more than three million documented foreign nationals in South Africa.

A protester, who is part of the anti-migrant group Operation Dudula, said they would "push the police to do their" job if undocumented migrants did not leave South Africa.

One undocumented Malawian told the BBC he was "happy to be going back" but "heartbroken" to be leaving behind four young children.

Meanwhile, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged demonstrators to refrain from "intimidation, threats or ultimatums".

As the xenophobic protest heats up, thousands of migrants have been awaiting processing in temporary camps for several weeks out of fear for their safety.