Johannesburg – South Africa’s Border Management Authority (BMA) has announced that nearly 295 Ghanaian nationals were processed for repatriation at OR Tambo International Airport before they departed.
The Ghanaians, who opted for voluntary repatriation, were initially screened by Home Affairs over the weekend, following growing concerns over alleged xenophobia and difficulties in extending residence permits.
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Commenting on the matter on Wednesday, 27 May 2026, BMA Commissioner Dr. Michael Masiapato said the repatriated Ghana nationals included 25 individuals transferred from the Lindela holding facility and 275 brought by the Ghanaian High Commission.
Dr. Masiapato said immigration checks revealed that about 90% of the travelers were undocumented, with many having overstayed their permits by more than 30 days, some for over a year.
As a result, Dr. Masiapato said these Ghanaians were declared undesirable in terms of Sec 30 of the Immigration Act, read regulations 27(3)(c) of the South African Immigration Regulations.
The Ghana Embassy issued them Emergency Travel Certificates, enabling them to board a chartered flight arranged by their country’s government.
“In total, 295 nationals departed for Accra,” Dr. Masiapato said.
However, he revealed that five individuals were denied departure, including:
- An asylum seeker with a valid permit who could not leave without canceling his application.
- Traveler without documents, carrying an expired passport, and lacking an emergency certificate.
- Mother with minors attempting to leave with two children without proof of relation or consent documentation.
The BMA said those barred from departure were handed back to the Ghanaian High Commission for possible future repatriation once requirements are met.
“This decisive action underscores the BMA’s uncompromising implementation of the South African legislative framework in its facilitation and management of people and goods movement in and out of the country,” Dr. Masiapato stated.
The repatriation comes amid heightened fears of xenophobic violence and increasing challenges faced by foreign nationals in securing permit extensions.
Ghanaian authorities said they coordinated the chartered flight to ensure safe return for their citizens.
