South African authorities have begun repatriating thousands of Malawian nationals as the country prepares for planned anti-immigration demonstrations expected to take place on June 30.

According to government officials, more than 15,000 Malawian citizens have already been processed for voluntary return, while many others remain in temporary holding centres awaiting documentation and travel arrangements.

The move comes amid growing tension over immigration, following calls by some citizen groups for undocumented foreign nationals to leave South Africa before the planned nationwide protests. The demonstrations have sparked fears of possible violence, recalling previous outbreaks of xenophobic attacks in the country.

Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi said authorities are working to ensure the orderly processing of affected foreign nationals. She noted that overcrowded camps in parts of KwaZulu-Natal had become increasingly difficult to manage, prompting the government to accelerate repatriation efforts.

Several African countries, including Malawi, Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Kenya and the Democratic Republic of Congo, have also encouraged their citizens living in South Africa to return home voluntarily as security concerns continue to rise.

The Border Management Authority reported that thousands of foreign nationals have already crossed through the Beitbridge border post into neighbouring countries over the past two weeks, with Malawians accounting for the largest number of departures.

The latest developments follow weeks of unrest during which businesses were looted and some foreign nationals became targets of violence. Official reports indicate that several people have lost their lives, including both South African residents and foreign nationals.

Government officials have also expressed concern over reports of groups allegedly conducting house-to-house operations to identify undocumented migrants, warning that law enforcement should remain the responsibility of state security agencies.

The renewed immigration tensions come just months before South Africa’s local government elections scheduled for November. Observers fear that if not properly managed, the situation could escalate into another wave of xenophobic violence similar to the deadly attacks witnessed in previous years.

Authorities have appealed for calm while urging communities to respect the rule of law as security agencies continue monitoring the situation across the country.