Mozambique has repatriated more than 700 of its citizens from South Africa following a fresh wave of xenophobic violence that has claimed several lives and forced hundreds of foreign nationals to flee their homes, authorities said on Tuesday.
The Mozambican government said evacuation efforts have intensified in recent days as fears of further attacks spread among migrant communities in South Africa’s Western Cape province.
According to officials, 169 Mozambican citizens, including 16 minors, were brought home during the past 24 hours through operations coordinated by the country’s diplomatic and consular missions in South Africa.
The latest arrivals add to hundreds of others who have already returned to Mozambique since violence erupted in the coastal town of Mossel Bay before spreading to nearby communities, including Hermanus.
In a statement, Mozambique’s Information Office said at least nine Mozambicans had been killed in the latest outbreak of xenophobic unrest, while more than 800 nationals were affected by attacks recorded on May 29 alone.
Authorities are also working to repatriate the remains of six Mozambicans killed during the violence. Diplomatic and administrative procedures are underway to facilitate the return of the bodies to their families for burial.
The Presidency said the attacks had prompted thousands of Mozambicans living in South Africa to seek refuge back home amid growing concerns about their safety.
The latest unrest has heightened tensions across the region, with reports that some South African demonstrators have issued an ultimatum demanding that foreign nationals leave KwaZulu-Natal province by June 30.
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The threat has sparked alarm among neighbouring countries whose citizens live and work in South Africa, the continent’s most industrialised economy and a major destination for migrant workers from across southern Africa.
Many migrants travel to South Africa in search of employment opportunities, particularly in sectors such as agriculture, construction, mining, domestic work and informal trade. Economic hardship and high unemployment in several neighbouring countries have continued to drive migration into South Africa despite periodic outbreaks of anti-foreigner sentiment.
Mozambique, which shares a long border with South Africa, has historically been among the countries most affected by xenophobic violence. Thousands of Mozambicans live and work in South Africa, maintaining close economic and family ties across the border.
Xenophobic attacks have periodically erupted in South Africa over the past two decades, often fuelled by perceptions that foreign nationals are competing with locals for jobs, housing and public services.
Human rights organisations have repeatedly warned that migrants and refugees remain vulnerable to violence, intimidation and discrimination despite government efforts to promote social cohesion.
The latest attacks have renewed concerns among regional leaders and civil society groups, who have called for stronger measures to protect foreign nationals and hold perpetrators accountable.
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According to rights groups, one of the deadliest waves of xenophobic violence in recent years occurred in 2019, when 18 foreign nationals were killed in attacks targeting migrant communities in several South African cities.
The current unrest has also affected citizens from other African countries. Governments including those of Ghana, Malawi and Nigeria have undertaken efforts to assist or repatriate nationals caught up in the violence.
Mozambican authorities said they would continue supporting citizens wishing to return home while monitoring developments in South Africa through diplomatic channels.
The government has urged calm and called for the protection of migrants’ rights, expressing concern that continued violence could further strain regional relations and disrupt the livelihoods of thousands of families who depend on cross-border employment and trade.
As evacuation operations continue, officials said additional groups of Mozambican citizens are expected to arrive in the coming days as more migrants seek to escape the violence.
