The Border Management Authority (BMA) has confirmed the successful processing and repatriation of 663 Ghanaian nationals from South Africa to Ghana through OR Tambo International Airport over the weekend.
The operation was coordinated through the Port Management Committee (PMC), which brings together various government agencies responsible for managing lawful movement through South Africa’s ports of entry. The repatriation was conducted in partnership with the Government of Ghana through its High Commission in Pretoria.
According to BMA Commissioner Dr Michael Masiapato, the operation demonstrated effective cooperation between South African authorities and the Ghanaian government in managing migration matters while ensuring compliance with immigration regulations. The repatriation process took place over two days and involved extensive verification, documentation and immigration clearance procedures before departure.
Hundreds Processed Through Immigration Checks
On Saturday, 332 Ghanaian nationals arrived at OR Tambo International Airport for processing before boarding a chartered flight. Among them, 170 travellers carried ordinary Ghanaian passports, while 162 used Emergency Travel Certificates issued by the Ghanaian High Commission.
During immigration verification, authorities found that 321 individuals had overstayed their permitted period of stay in South Africa by 30 days or more. These individuals were subsequently declared undesirable under provisions of the Immigration Act and related regulations.
After completion of all procedures, 323 passengers were cleared for departure. Nine passengers, including two families with five children, were unable to travel after airline personnel determined that two adults were medically unfit for the journey. Airport paramedics provided assistance and transferred the affected travellers to the airport clinic for further medical evaluation.
On Sunday, a second group of 331 Ghanaian nationals underwent similar processing. This group included travellers using ordinary passports, Emergency Travel Certificates and 37 children born in South Africa who were also issued travel certificates for the journey.
Immigration officials additionally processed 25 asylum seekers who voluntarily withdrew their asylum applications before departure.
Authorities Highlight Importance of International Cooperation
During the second operation, 170 travellers were found to have overstayed their visas and were declared undesirable in accordance with South African immigration laws.
At the conclusion of the process, 341 passengers were approved for departure, including 10 deportees transported from the Lindela Holding Facility by the Department of Home Affairs. One traveller failed to check in, while the remaining 340 passengers boarded the chartered flight, which departed on schedule.
The BMA said the operation reflected strong collaboration between foreign diplomatic missions and South African authorities responsible for migration management, border security and immigration enforcement.
Commissioner Masiapato commended members of the Port Management Committee and all officials involved in facilitating the repatriation effort. He encouraged foreign missions to continue working closely with South African government institutions to ensure that future repatriation processes are conducted smoothly and in accordance with the law.
He said coordinated engagement between governments remains essential for effective migration management and maintaining compliance with immigration regulations while safeguarding orderly cross-border movement.
