490 foreigners bundled and sent packing back home on Saturday after overstaying their welcome in SA

South African authorities have deported 490 Mozambican nationals following an operation in which law enforcement and immigration officials reportedly established that they were living and working in the country without valid documentation.

The deportation, which took place on Saturday, forms part of the government’s intensified efforts to enforce immigration laws and address the growing number of people suspected of staying in South Africa illegally. The operation involved the Department of Home Affairs and the Border Management Authority (BMA), which have been strengthening measures against illegal entry, expired visas and unauthorised employment.

After crossing into Mozambique, the 490 deportees were officially handed over to the Maputo Provincial Directorate of Migration. Mozambican immigration officials then began processing the returning citizens through established administrative procedures.

These procedures included confirming their identities, recording personal information, conducting additional biometric checks and reviewing their individual immigration circumstances.

Authorities also carried out health assessments and vulnerability screenings to identify individuals who might need medical attention, legal assistance or temporary accommodation. Basic humanitarian assistance was reportedly provided, including meals, places to rest and transport arrangements to help the returnees travel back to their respective communities.

The latest deportation highlights the continuing migration challenges between South Africa and Mozambique, two neighbouring countries with a long history of cross-border movement driven by employment opportunities and economic conditions.

South African authorities maintain that deportations are necessary to uphold immigration laws, strengthen border security and manage pressure on public services and infrastructure.

Meanwhile, Mozambican authorities face the responsibility of receiving and assisting citizens returning from South Africa, particularly as large numbers of people continue to be repatriated over concerns involving immigration violations.

The operation is another indication that South Africa is continuing to tighten its immigration enforcement measures, with undocumented foreign nationals facing possible detention and deportation if found to be violating the country’s immigration laws.

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