Anti-immigration protesters march in South Africa, as some immigrants leave the country

Thousands of demonstrators marched across South Africa on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, protesting against illegal immigration. These were the largest migration-related protests since 2008. While largely peaceful, isolated incidents of looting occurred, leading to arrests. Protesters blame undocumented migrants for unemployment, crime, and other societal issues, with some groups issuing their own departure deadlines. The South African government rejected these deadlines, stating only authorities can enforce immigration laws. President Cyril Ramaphosa met with protest leaders, urging peaceful demonstrations. In response to rising tensions, thousands of migrants, primarily from neighboring countries, have begun returning to their homelands, with increased traffic reported at border crossings and repatriation centers. Amnesty International South Africa stated that migrants are being unfairly blamed for the country's problems, which stem from deeper issues.

Thousands of police have been deployed across South Africa amidst widespread anti-immigration protests that erupted Tuesday, spreading to multiple cities. The unrest, involving thousands of mostly poor or unemployed South Africans, is fueled by claims that foreign migrants are taking jobs and increasing crime. The protests occurred ahead of a June 30 deadline set by organizers demanding the departure of all illegal migrants. At least four people have been killed, and violence, including looting and vandalism, has occurred. While some marches were peaceful, police arrested looters and dispersed crowds. Organizers plan to continue weekly marches despite the government rejecting the deadline and stating only authorities can enforce immigration laws.

South African police have been deployed as anti-immigrant protests escalate, with groups demanding undocumented foreigners leave the country by Tuesday. Businesses have closed and demonstrators have gathered nationwide, falsely claiming undocumented immigrants will face arrest and deportation if they do not comply. The South African government has rejected these threats as false, but thousands have fled due to the intimidation. President Cyril Ramaphosa condemned the actions as vigilantism, stating that the right to protest does not permit threats, intimidation, vandalism, or violence. Protesters, comprising working-class and middle-class South Africans from various tribes, express frustration with the government's inaction on undocumented foreigners and their own job prospects.

Thousands of people participated in anti-migrant protests across South Africa on Tuesday, including in Johannesburg, Pretoria, Durban, and Cape Town. The demonstrations were organized by an entity called March and March, which demanded the departure of all undocumented foreigners. A significant police presence was deployed to prevent violence and intimidation. These rallies represent the culmination of weeks of protests that have led to the displacement of thousands of African expatriates. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa met with three leaders of the anti-migrant movement on Monday to encourage them to avoid unrest. The article notes that the protests appeared largely peaceful, but also mentions fears of xenophobic violence, referencing an incident in 2008.

South African authorities have deployed police and military units nationwide in anticipation of anti-immigration demonstrations. These protests, organized by vigilante groups like March and March, have set an unofficial June 30 deadline for undocumented foreign nationals to leave. The government fears a repeat of the 2008 anti-migrant violence that resulted in 62 deaths and widespread looting. Shopkeepers in Johannesburg have closed their businesses due to security concerns. While organizers claim peaceful intent, foreigners with documentation have also reported harassment, and several Mozambican nationals have been killed. Migrants, who constitute a small percentage of South Africa's population, are often scapegoated amid high unemployment, despite crime statistics indicating a low rate of offenses committed by foreigners. Several African governments have begun repatriating their citizens.

Mass anti-immigration protests have occurred across South Africa, following a campaign against foreigners that has resulted in at least four deaths and tens of thousands fleeing for safety. Protesters, some in traditional attire, marched through Durban calling for foreigners to leave, with campaign groups setting an arbitrary June 30 deadline for undocumented migrants to depart. In response to fear of violence, over 25,000 migrants have been repatriated to their home countries, with many sleeping in makeshift camps while awaiting transport. Migrants, including those with legal documentation, report being threatened, losing jobs, and being evicted by landlords fearing retaliation. These events highlight South Africa's history of anti-immigrant violence, often linked to economic insecurity and high unemployment.