Ghana welcomes first group fleeing South African anti-immigration protests

The repatriation came following a wave of anti-immigration protests in recent weeks, with campaigners demanding tighter controls on what they described as undocumented migrants.A plane carrying 300 Ghanaian nationals evacuated from South Africa due to anti-immigration protests has landed in Accra.The group, which included women and children, arrived at the airport in Ghana’s capital on Wednesday. Authorities described their evacuation as a voluntary repatriation process for Ghanaian citizens who no longer feel safe in South Africa amid rising xenophobia that has left migrants facing harassment, job losses and violence.Recommended Stories list of 4 itemslist 1 of 4Ghana begins repatriating citizens as xenophobia surges in South Africalist 2 of 4Why are anti-migrant attacks increasing in South Africa?list 3 of 4DRC flight suspension and Uganda border curbs isolate Ebola-hit Bunialist 4 of 4Ebola outbreak: When will a vaccine be developed for the new strain?end of listSouth Africa has worked with Ghanaian authorities on a list of approximately 800 people who had indicated they want to leave, as a wave of anti-immigration protests has seen campaigners demanding tighter controls on “undocumented migrants,” and accusing foreigners of contributing to crime and unemployment.“Wherever Ghanaians are, we will make sure you are protected,” Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa said as he greeted the group at the airport.South Africa’s Border Management Authority said about 90 percent of Wednesday’s travellers were undocumented, with “most” having overstayed a visa by more than 30 days and “some” by a year or more.Ghana’s high commissioner to South Africa, Benjamin Quashie, however, has criticised South African authorities for backlogs in immigration processing for those seeking to renew their permits.The anti-immigrant protests have been accompanied by instances of violence against migrants from other sub-Saharan African countries.One Ghanaian said repeated harassment had driven his decision to leave.