Ghana Halts Repatriation Sign-Ups in South Africa

By VL Bandi - Echos News Editorial Team
Published: June 2, 2026

South Africa has spent more than R177 million deporting 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

Government figures show deportations have risen sharply. In 2022/23, 22,560 people were deported at a cost of R32 million. The following year, 39,627 deportations cost R67 million. By 2024/25, the number reached 51,650, with expenses climbing to R78 million.

Officials say the rising costs reflect both increased enforcement and higher logistical expenses linked to detention facilities and repatriation flights. Critics argue the figures highlight an unsustainable approach that risks alienating regional partners.

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Ghana Halts Repatriation Sign-Ups

The deportation drive has already triggered diplomatic fallout. Ghana temporarily halted repatriation sign‑ups in South Africa earlier this year, citing concerns over the treatment of its nationals [MSN].

Accra later confronted Pretoria over the pace of deportations, warning that forced removals could strain bilateral ties [Echos News ZA]. Ghanaian officials argued that the process lacked transparency and placed undue hardship on citizens.

In May, a Ghana evacuation flight sparked fresh debate after dozens of deportees were flown back under tight security. Civil society groups accused the government of heavy‑handed tactics, while officials insisted the operation was lawful[Echos News ZA]

Regional Reactions

South Africa’s deportation policy has drawn mixed responses across the continent. Some governments have expressed solidarity, saying countries must enforce immigration laws. Others have warned that mass deportations risk destabilising regional relations.

Diplomats note that Ghana’s suspension is unusual, signalling deeper frustration with Pretoria’s approach. Analysts say the move could set a precedent for other African states facing similar disputes.

Community Impact

Inside South Africa, the deportation campaign has stirred debate. Advocacy groups argue that mass removals risk violating human rights, particularly when migrants are detained for long periods before flights. They warn that families are being separated and communities disrupted.

Supporters of the crackdown counter that undocumented migration fuels unemployment and strains public services. They say the government is right to enforce the law and protect citizens from unfair competition in the job market.

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Numbers Behind the Policy

Officials say deportations are only one part of the broader immigration strategy. The new points-based system is intended to attract skilled workers, while the digital visa platform aims to reduce corruption and speed up applications.

Critics argue that the reforms may not ease tensions in the short term. With deportation costs rising and regional governments pushing back, the policy risks deepening divisions rather than resolving them.

Next Steps

Home Affairs has signaled that deportations will continue at scale. Schreiber’s warning to undocumented migrants marks one of the strongest statements yet from the ministry, underscoring the government’s intent to enforce permanent bans on re-entry.

Observers expect further diplomatic exchanges between Pretoria and Accra. Ghana’s suspension of repatriation sign-ups remains in place, and officials have not indicated when or if the process will resume. For now, deportation flights continue, but the standoff has added a new layer of uncertainty to South Africa’s immigration policy.

As the government pushes ahead, questions remain over whether the reforms will ease the burden or simply shift it. For migrants caught in the middle, the message from Home Affairs is blunt: leave voluntarily or face permanent exclusion.

Echos News ZA Editorial Closing Analysis

When South Africa is struggling with the deportation of illegal immigrants, spending millions on an issue that shows no signs of improving, Ghana seems to have taken the voluntary repatriation of its citizens lightly. Mass deportations and repatriations will never be a quick solution, as they point to the challenge of financing the costs. And if that’s not the only obstacle, there’s always the guarantee that deportees will eventually return — especially when there’s nothing to go back to.

© 2026 Echos News ZA. All rights reserved.

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