By Suleman Chitera

South Africa has formally asked Malawi, Nigeria and Ethiopia to reimburse part of the money it has spent repatriating undocumented migrants this year, with Pretoria saying the exercise has already cost about R292 million (approximately K29 billion).

The development comes after South African authorities reported a sharp increase in the number of undocumented foreign nationals being processed for deportation, with Malawians reportedly forming the largest group among those handled since January.

South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs disclosed the expenditure during a briefing to Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs, where director-general Tommy Makhode told lawmakers that the department had significantly exceeded its original deportation budget.Shepherd Bushiri Mobilizes 10 Buses to Repatriate Malawians

According to Eyewitness News, the department had initially allocated only R60 million for deportations, but expenditure has now risen to R292 million—almost five times the original budget.

Makhode said the department had not anticipated the scale of the repatriation exercise when preparing its budget.

“As the Department of Home Affairs and other departments that have been involved in this matter, we have not budgeted for this… So to date, this is what we’ve spent: R292 million,” he said.

Malawi among countries asked to pay

South Africa has since formally approached Malawi, Nigeria and Ethiopia seeking reimbursement for part of the costs incurred in returning their nationals.

The request has reportedly been channelled through South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco), which has written to the respective governments.

The move places the issue of undocumented migration firmly on the diplomatic agenda between South Africa and the three countries.

For Malawi, the request could create further pressure on government finances at a time when public resources are already under significant strain.Prophet Bushiri Challenges Malawians to Change Mindset and Embrace Wealth Creation

Officials from Malawi’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation had not, by the time of publication, commented on whether Lilongwe had received the request or whether the government intends to meet South Africa’s demand.

Transport drives up deportation costs

Makhode told South African MPs that transportation has accounted for the largest portion of the deportation bill.

The costs include moving undocumented migrants from detention and processing facilities to their respective countries, with chartered transportation contributing significantly to the overall expenditure.

South African lawmakers have previously raised concerns over the amount being spent to return undocumented migrants.

In July, MPs questioned government officials over the cost of chartering transport and processing returnees, with the expenditure reportedly exceeding K1.3 million per person in some cases.

The latest figures have therefore intensified scrutiny of South Africa’s immigration enforcement programme and the financial burden it is placing on the government.

Nearly 90,000 foreigners processed

South African Home Affairs figures indicate that nearly 90,000 foreign nationals have been processed for deportation since the beginning of the year.

About 83,000 migrants were processed through the Lindela Repatriation Centre in Johannesburg, one of the country’s major facilities for undocumented migrants awaiting deportation.Prophet Bushiri Invests K5.85 Billion to Transform Lives Across Malawi

Authorities have also been using a temporary facility in Musina, near the Zimbabwean border, which was established at a reported cost of R48 million.

However, operations at the Musina facility are now being scaled down as authorities adjust their response to the growing number of undocumented migrants.

The scale of the operation highlights the growing challenge South Africa faces in managing undocumented migration and the costs associated with enforcing immigration laws.

Growing regional migration pressure

South Africa remains a major destination for migrants from across the African continent, including Malawi, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Ethiopia and Nigeria.

Economic opportunities, employment prospects and established migrant communities have historically contributed to movement into South Africa.

However, the South African government has increasingly intensified operations against undocumented migration, arguing that people who do not have legal status in the country must be processed in accordance with immigration laws.Shepherd Bushiri Foundation Talent Hunt Excites Machinga as Young Footballers Target Dedza Dynamos Slots

The enforcement campaign has also generated political and public debate, particularly over the financial cost of deportations and the impact of undocumented migration on public services and employment.

Pretoria’s decision to seek reimbursement from countries whose nationals are being repatriated signals a potentially significant shift in how the financial burden of deportations is being handled.

Malawi awaits government’s response

The key question now is how the Malawi Government will respond to South Africa’s demand.

It remains unclear whether Lilongwe accepts responsibility for any of the repatriation costs, whether it will negotiate with Pretoria over the amount being claimed, or whether the two governments will seek an alternative arrangement.

The issue could also trigger wider discussions between Malawi and South Africa on migration management, documentation of Malawian nationals and mechanisms for dealing with undocumented migrants.

For now, South Africa says it has spent R292 million on repatriation this year—far above its original allocation—and wants countries including Malawi to help shoulder the cost.Bushiri Applauds Mutharika’s Visionary Address, Calls It Clear, Action-Oriented and Hope-Giving

With Malawians reportedly making up the largest group among those processed for deportation, Pretoria’s request is likely to receive close attention in Lilongwe as the two governments determine the next steps.