South Africa migrant crisis: rising xenophobic violence forces hundreds to flee

A new wave of xenophobic violence in South Africa has left several people dead and forced hundreds of foreign nationals to flee their homes, according to officials in Mozambique, Ghana and Nigeria. The unrest, which escalated in late May and early June, has been described by human rights groups as one of the most severe anti‑migrant flare‑ups in recent years.

South Africa migrant crisis

Deaths reported as protests turn violent

Mozambique’s government says five of its citizens have been killed in South Africa in recent days, linking the deaths directly to anti‑migrant attacks following a protest march in Mossel Bay. South African police have officially confirmed two deaths, both Mozambican nationals.

Mozambique’s foreign ministry said the victims were “targeted because they were foreigners”, citing information from local authorities. (Source: Mozambique Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

Hundreds flee homes amid intimidation

Local media report that groups of residents have been moving door‑to‑door, demanding that foreign nationals leave the area. According to Mozambique’s government, around 300 people have already crossed back into the country, seeking safety.

Ghana and Nigeria have announced emergency repatriation flights for their citizens, citing concerns over escalating violence. (Sources: Ghana Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria)

Human Rights Watch says many migrants have been forced to abandon their homes “with little more than the clothes they were wearing”. (Source: Human Rights Watch)

Authorities warn against vigilantism

South Africa’s National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NatJoints) has condemned the violence, warning that “vigilantism will not be tolerated”. Officials say security forces have been deployed to affected areas, though rights groups argue that the response has been slow and inconsistent.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for calm, urging communities not to “take the law into their own hands”, while also promising stronger action against irregular migration. (Source: Presidency of South Africa)

Economic pressures fuel tensions

Analysts say the violence is occurring against the backdrop of South Africa’s prolonged economic downturn, high unemployment and rising crime rates. Foreign nationals — many from Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Nigeria and Somalia — are often blamed for job shortages and social problems.

The South African Communist Party (SACP) has linked the unrest to “deepening economic inequality”, warning that migrants are being used as scapegoats. (Source: SACP statement)

Regional and international concern

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has expressed concern over the situation, urging South Africa to protect foreign nationals and uphold regional agreements on free movement. The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) says it is monitoring the situation and is “deeply worried” about reports of targeted attacks.

Humanitarian organisations warn that the crisis could trigger secondary migration flows, as displaced people seek safety in neighbouring countries — and potentially beyond.

Potential impact on Europe

Migration experts say instability in South Africa could contribute to increased movement towards Europe in the coming months. While most displaced people are expected to remain within the region, prolonged violence may push some to seek asylum further afield.

European officials have not yet commented publicly, but analysts note that the EU is already facing rising migration pressure from multiple African regions.

What happens next

Authorities in South Africa say they are working to stabilise the situation, but community tensions remain high. Rights groups warn that unless the government takes decisive action, the violence could spread to other provinces.

For now, hundreds of families remain displaced, and many foreign nationals say they are afraid to return to their homes.