The group included undocumented travelers and individuals whose immigration status needed further verification, officials said

South Africa's Border Management Authority (BMA) says it has successfully processed the repatriation of 933 Mozambican nationals through the port of Lebombo on Wednesday.

BMA spokesperson Mmemme Mogotsi said 349 of those processed originated from the Lindela Holding Facility and were transported by the Department of Home Affairs through its deportation programme, while the remaining 584 travelled from Mossel Bay through arrangements facilitated by the Mozambican High Commission.

Mogotsi said the operation was coordinated through an integrated approach involving BMA Immigration Services, Port Health Services, Law Enforcement and Border Guard functions, working in collaboration with the Department of Home Affairs, the Department of Social Development, the South African Police Service and Mozambican authorities.

"All travellers underwent the required immigration processing, including identity verification, biometric checks and immigration status assessments, in accordance with South African immigration legislation and border management procedures," she said.

According to Mogotsi, the group included individuals who did not possess valid travel documentation and others whose immigration status required further verification. She said 17 individuals who had previously entered South Africa legally were found to have overstayed their authorised period of stay and were processed in accordance with the Immigration Act and applicable regulations.

Mogotsi said 38 minors formed part of the group and were processed with the assistance of the Department of Social Development to ensure compliance with all applicable child protection and cross-border movement requirements.

"As part of the BMA's mandate, all persons were screened and processed in accordance with health, security and immigration protocols before being permitted to proceed through the Port of Entry," she said.

Mogotsi said 926 individuals successfully departed South Africa for Mozambique at the conclusion of the operation. However, seven individuals were not permitted to depart following immigration processing and verification.

"These cases included individuals who did not meet the prescribed requirements for cross-border movement, individuals whose nationality or immigration status required further verification, and cases involving minors where the required supporting documentation was not available," she said.

BMA Commissioner Dr Michael Masiapato said the operation highlighted the importance of managing migration in a lawful and orderly manner.

"The management of cross-border movement must be conducted in a manner that is lawful, orderly and consistent with South Africa's immigration framework".

He said the BMA remains committed to facilitating legitimate travel while ensuring compliance with immigration legislation and safeguarding the integrity of our ports of entry.

''We will continue to work closely with our regional counterparts to promote safe, orderly and regular migration, while protecting the security interests of South Africa and the region," he said.

Meanwhile, the Government of Malawi said it was preparing a voluntary repatriation programme for Malawian nationals affected by recent attacks and demonstrations targeting African migrants in parts of South Africa.

The Malawian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said it was monitoring the situation through its diplomatic missions and engaging South African authorities on the matter.

"The Government will soon commence a voluntary repatriation exercise for Malawian nationals that have requested Government support for their return home," the ministry said, stressing that the programme would be voluntary and only available to citizens who had requested assistance.

First published by IOL

(RT.com)