DURBAN - Some migrants could potentially be using the repatriation process as a means of returning home free of charge.
This is according to the KwaZulu-Natal Home Affairs manager, Cyril Mncwabe, as authorities work around the clock to facilitate the repatriation of scores of Malawians currently at Sherwood Hall in Durban.
Thousands of Malawian foreign nationals have taken refuge on the property, while awaiting repatriation.
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According to Mncwabe, a single trip to Malawi could cost up to R3000 on a bus.
This is an amount for just one person.
“If that’s the case, that means when there is an opportunity like this, people will then jump on it. So, there might be those who are chance takers.”
Earlier this month, the Malawian government announced that it had begun voluntary repatriation of its nationals from South Africa.
The government said this was in response to Malawians impacted by the ongoing anti-illegal immigration protests.
READ | Malawi begins voluntary repatriation of its nationals in SA
The Malawian government said that the repatriation exercise is intended only for Malawian nationals who have voluntarily indicated their willingness to return home and require logistical support from the government.
The process comes as the 30 June ‘deadline’ looms, referring to the date set by anti-illegal immigration groups for undocumented migrants to leave the country.
Migrants are currently being processed through the Virtual Priority Court set up to deal with immigration matters.
This, as officials carry out repatriation and deportation processes.
Mncwabe said, “We are dealing with any illegal person in a legal way, meaning once you have been identified as an illegal person in this country, we apprehend you, take you through our court processes and deport you accordingly.”
The amount of people is creating difficulties for authorities who have to deport them through legal processes.
Mncwabe added that there are a total of 60 immigration officers on site, who are conducting the process in various stages.