South Africa Tightens Immigration Enforcement as Nigeria Seeks Compensation

South Africa's cabinet reaffirmed a hard line on undocumented migration, announcing tougher border controls, expanded workplace inspections and faster deportations. Measures include reopening specialised immigration courts in Durban, O.R. Tambo International Airport and the Lindela Repatriation Centre, and inspecting the Beitbridge border crossing with Zimbabwe to curb illegal entries.

Following nationwide anti‑immigration protests, more than 600 Nigerians were repatriated and hundreds more await evacuation. Nigeria has demanded compensation for its citizens, documenting abandoned businesses and property left behind. South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation said compensation claims would be assessed case‑by‑case through the judicial system, while urging the public not to take immigration enforcement into their own hands.