South Africa has spent R341.2 million repatriating and deporting 99 933 foreign nationals between preparations for anti illegal immigration protests in late June and 18 August 2026. The Department of Home Affairs revealed the figures during a briefing to Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs, confirming that the operation included transport, temporary accommodation facilities, staff overtime and logistics. The expenditure has raised widespread questions about why South Africa carries the cost of repatriating foreign nationals, whether other countries reimburse the government and how the spending could affect taxpayers if National Treasury does not approve emergency funding.
According to the Department of Home Affairs, the request for additional funding remains under consideration by National Treasury.
Why Did South Africa Spend R341 Million?
The expenditure followed a large scale repatriation and deportation operation after anti illegal immigration protests that began on 30 June 2026.
According to the department, the operation required coordination between government departments, municipalities, law enforcement agencies, diplomatic missions, humanitarian organisations and private service providers.
Officials told Parliament that approximately 11 000 personnel from 12 organisations participated in the operation.
The department described the expenditure as unforeseen and unavoidable because of the scale and urgency of the operation.
Where Did the Money Go?
The majority of the R341.2 million was spent on transporting foreign nationals to border posts and airports.
According to the Department of Home Affairs, the expenditure included:
- R232.8 million for buses transporting foreign nationals across South Africa.
- R48 million spent by the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure on establishing and operating a temporary repatriation facility.
- R13 million for overtime paid to Home Affairs officials.
- R9.5 million for accommodation for officials deployed to Durban and Musina.
- R14.5 million for provincial operational expenses, including accommodation, overtime and administration.
- R8.7 million for chartered flights to Ethiopia, Nigeria, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Municipalities, including eThekwini and the City of Cape Town, also incurred transport costs, which the Department of Home Affairs said were reimbursed after supporting documentation was submitted.
Almost 100 000 Foreign Nationals Left South Africa
According to figures presented to Parliament:
- 89 936 foreign nationals voluntarily returned to their home countries.
- 9 997 people were deported through formal immigration processes.
The largest groups included:
- 54 541 Malawian nationals.
- 27 920 Zimbabwean nationals.
- 2 417 Mozambican nationals.
- 1 145 Nigerian nationals.
Based on the total expenditure, the operation cost approximately R3 414 per person.
Why Is South Africa Responsible for the Costs?
One of the biggest questions raised following the announcement is why South African taxpayers are responsible for funding repatriations.
According to the Department of Home Affairs, immigration enforcement is the responsibility of the country in which immigration laws are being enforced.
This means South Africa is responsible for identifying undocumented foreign nationals, processing immigration cases, arranging transport and ensuring deportations or voluntary repatriations are carried out lawfully.
International practice generally places the financial responsibility for these operations on the deporting country unless specific agreements between governments provide otherwise.
The department also had to ensure humanitarian standards were maintained during the operation while preventing further instability linked to the protests.
Can South Africa Recover the Money?
The Department of Home Affairs has indicated that it has approached several governments regarding reimbursement for the costs of repatriating some of their nationals.
However, migration experts have noted that recovering these costs may prove difficult because international law does not automatically require countries to repay deportation expenses unless bilateral agreements or other financial arrangements exist.
As a result, South Africa may ultimately absorb the full cost if reimbursement requests are unsuccessful.
What Happens If Treasury Does Not Approve the Funding?
According to the Department of Home Affairs, the operation was not fully budgeted for before it began.
Officials told Parliament that if National Treasury declines the request for emergency funding, the department will have to reprioritise its existing budget.
The department said this would require budget virements and forced savings to cover the overspending.
That could place additional pressure on other departmental programmes.
Why Gauteng Residents Should Pay Attention
Although the repatriation operation involved several provinces, Gauteng played a central role because it is home to South Africa’s busiest immigration offices, OR Tambo International Airport and large populations of foreign nationals.
The province also serves as a major transport hub for movement to neighbouring countries through road and air networks.
Any pressure on national budgets may ultimately affect service delivery, staffing and operational priorities in Gauteng, where demand for government services remains high.
The debate has also renewed public discussion around immigration management, border security and how government funds should be allocated during large scale operations.
What This Means for Gauteng Residents
For Gauteng residents, the R341.2 million expenditure highlights the financial implications of managing large immigration operations.
If emergency funding is not approved, government departments may need to redirect money from existing budgets to cover the costs.
The operation also demonstrates the level of coordination required between municipalities, national departments and law enforcement agencies during large scale immigration enforcement and humanitarian responses.
Understanding how these operations are funded helps explain why immigration policy remains closely linked to public finances and service delivery.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much did South Africa spend on repatriations?
According to the Department of Home Affairs, the government spent R341.2 million between preparations for the operation and 18 August 2026.
How many foreign nationals left South Africa?
A total of 99 933 foreign nationals either voluntarily returned home or were deported.
Why does South Africa pay for deportations?
The country responsible for enforcing its immigration laws generally carries the costs of detention, processing and transport unless alternative agreements exist.
Can South Africa recover the money?
The Department of Home Affairs has approached several governments regarding reimbursement, but there is no guarantee the costs will be recovered.
Has National Treasury approved the funding?
No. According to the Department of Home Affairs, the request for emergency funding remains under consideration.
South Africa’s Immigration Bill Extends Beyond Border Control
The repatriation of nearly 100 000 foreign nationals has become one of the largest immigration operations undertaken in recent years and has highlighted the significant financial resources required to enforce immigration laws. While the Department of Home Affairs says the operation was necessary to respond to the humanitarian and security challenges created by the protests, Parliament will continue scrutinising the expenditure as National Treasury considers whether to approve emergency funding. The outcome will determine whether the costs are covered through additional funding or absorbed within the department’s existing budget.
