A total of 278 foreign nationals who had been camping outside the Home Affairs Refugee Reception Centre on Che Guevara Road in Umbilo, South Africa, have been relocated to the Lindela Repatriation Centre in Krugersdorp, Gauteng. The group consisted of nationals from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, Uganda, Mozambique, and Tanzania. They had gathered outside the centre, claiming they had been threatened by South Africans.
The relocation began at 5am on Tuesday, September 15, following a directive from the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Migration. The Department of Home Affairs stated that the relocation followed engagements with relevant stakeholders and representatives of the affected communities. The committee had presented the displaced foreign nationals with two options – returning to their respective areas of residence or relocating to Lindela.
According to the Head of Law Enforcement at Home Affairs, Stephen van Neel, all those relocated had been verified and were legally in the country. They were either refugees or in possession of valid asylum seeker permits. The Department of Home Affairs said the move forms part of efforts to address the situation involving the displaced communities and facilitate their return to their communities.
The relocation comes amid ongoing tensions surrounding migration and the safety of foreign nationals in parts of Durban. Home Affairs said the process was undertaken following consultations with the affected communities and relevant stakeholders. The department aims to ensure the well-being and safety of the foreign nationals.
The IMC had presented the displaced foreign nationals with the option of relocation to Lindela, which was agreed upon following a series of consultations. The Department of Home Affairs did not indicate how long the foreign nationals would remain at Lindela or provide further details on the arrangements for their reintegration.
The situation highlights the challenges faced by foreign nationals in South Africa, particularly in the context of migration and xenophobia. The relocation of the 278 foreign nationals to Lindela Repatriation Centre is seen as a temporary solution to address their immediate needs and ensure their safety.
The Department of Home Affairs continues to work with relevant stakeholders to address the complexities surrounding migration and the reintegration of displaced communities. The relocation of the foreign nationals to Lindela Repatriation Centre is part of these efforts to provide a safe and secure environment for those in need.
Key points
- 278 foreign nationals relocated to Lindela Repatriation Centre
- Relocation aimed to address safety concerns and facilitate return to communities
- Foreign nationals verified to have legal status in South Africa
