South Africa Spends Millions on Deporting Illegal Immigrants

By VL Bandi - Echos News Editorial Team
Published: May 31, 2026

Pretoria — South Africa has spent more than R177 million 113,000 illegal immigrants in the past three financial years, according to Home Affairs Minister Dr Leon Schreiber. He warned undocumented migrants to “self‑deport now” or face permanent bans from re‑entering the country.

South Africa’s immigration debate has reached a critical juncture. On one hand, the government is investing heavily in deportations, with costs rising sharply year‑on‑year. On the other, Cabinet has rolled out a comprehensive immigration policy overhaul that introduces stricter refugee rules, a merit‑based points system for citizenship, and digital visa platforms. Together, these measures reflect a dual strategy: enforcement against irregular migration and modernisation of legal pathways.

Escalating Deportation Costs

Financial Year	Number Deported	Cost (Rand)
2022/23	22,560	R32 million
2023/24	39,627	R67 million
2024/25	51,650	R78 million

The figures reveal a sharp rise in both deportations and costs, with expenditure more than doubling in three years. Officials project that annual spending will remain above R60 million, with most removals processed through the Beitbridge Border Post. Critics argue that deportations are costly and often ineffective, with anecdotal reports suggesting many deportees return soon after removal, raising questions about sustainability.

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Minister’s Warning and Enforcement Drive

Dr Schreiber has adopted a blunt tone in Parliament: “If you are in South Africa illegally, self‑deport now before we find you and ban you from ever entering our country legally in future.” He credited the increase in deportations to Operation New Broom, biometric verification, drones, and collaboration with SAPS and the Border Management Authority. The message is clear — enforcement is no longer symbolic but systematic, with technology playing a central role in identifying and removing undocumented migrants.

Immigration Policy Overhaul

Alongside deportations, Cabinet approved a White Paper on Immigration Policy in March 2026, introducing reforms designed to tighten refugee rules and modernise legal migration pathways. Key measures include:

• First Safe Country Principle: Asylum seekers must apply in the first safe country they reach, reducing pressure on South Africa’s system.
• Points‑Based Citizenship: Applicants assessed on skills, education, and economic contributions, aligning immigration with national development goals.
• Digital Visa System: Online applications to reduce fraud and speed approvals, part of a broader push toward e‑government services.
• Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA): Planned biometric recording for every foreigner entering South Africa, aimed at preventing illegal entry.

The reforms mark a significant policy shift, balancing national security with economic competitiveness. Officials argue that the new system will attract skilled migrants while deterring irregular migration, positioning South Africa as both a secure and opportunity‑driven destination.

Political and Civil Society Reactions

The ANC has defended the government’s stance, arguing that deportations uphold the rule of law and protect scarce resources. Grassroots movements like >Operation Dudula have welcomed the crackdown, claiming undocumented migration undermines jobs and housing opportunities for citizens.

However, NGOs and the South African Human Rights Commission have condemned the rhetoric, warning that constitutional rights guarantee access to basic services for all residents. The United Nations has also cautioned that aggressive anti‑migrant messaging risks fueling xenophobia and violence, echoing concerns raised during previous waves of unrest.

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Financial and Human Rights Dilemma

Critics argue that deportations are costly and often ineffective. The rising expenditure raises questions about sustainability, particularly in a country facing economic challenges. At the same time, the reforms risk excluding vulnerable refugees, creating tension between national interest and humanitarian obligations. Civil society organisations warn that the combination of aggressive deportations and restrictive asylum rules could leave thousands in legal limbo, unable to access services or legal protection.

Regional and Global Comparisons

South Africa’s approach mirrors trends in other countries facing migration pressures. The European Union has tightened asylum rules, while the United States has expanded border enforcement. However, South Africa’s reliance on deportations is unusually costly relative to GDP, raising questions about whether resources could be better spent on integration or regional cooperation. Analysts note that migration flows into South Africa are driven by instability in neighbouring countries, making unilateral enforcement only a partial solution.

Broader Implications

The dual strategy of enforcement and reform reflects a government under pressure to balance domestic concerns with international obligations. Deportations satisfy public demand for stronger border control, while reforms aim to modernise systems and attract skilled migrants. Yet the risk of inflaming xenophobia remains high, particularly in communities already strained by unemployment and inequality. The success of these policies will depend not only on enforcement but on whether South Africa can build a fair and transparent immigration system that commands legitimacy at home and abroad.

Conclusion

South Africa’s immigration landscape is being reshaped by rising deportation costs and sweeping policy reforms. The government hopes to restore order and attract skilled migrants, but critics warn that vulnerable refugees may be excluded and xenophobia inflamed. The coming years will test whether these measures deliver stability — or deepen social tensions in an already fragile environment.

Related Coverage

• The ANC’s Human Rights Bind: Agreements That Sparked South Africa’s Immigration Crisis

  Explores how ANC‑era human‑rights agreements shaped South Africa’s refugee obligations and limited deportation powers.

• South Africa Immigration Policy Overhaul

  Details Cabinet’s 2026 White Paper introducing stricter refugee rules, a points‑based citizenship system, and digital visa platforms.

• South Africa’s Home Affairs to Revoke Permits and Tighten Border Control

  Reports on Home Affairs’ plan to revoke fraudulent permits and implement biometric travel authorisations ahead of the enforcement surge.

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