The Department of Home Affairs has deported nearly 110,000 undocumented migrants over the past two financial years, signalling a sharp escalation in immigration enforcement since the formation of South Africa’s Government of National Unity (GNU).
According to figures released on Thursday, a total of 109,344 deportations were carried out between 2024 and 2026. The department says the increase reflects a strengthened commitment to restoring the rule of law and tightening control over illegal immigration.
The data shows a steady upward trend in deportations. During the 2023/24 financial year, authorities deported 39,672 individuals. This figure rose by 30% to 51,560 in 2024/25, followed by a further 12% increase to 57,784 in 2025/26. In total, deportations surged by 46% over the two-year period ending 31 March 2026.
Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber attributed the rise to a combination of policy reforms, improved operational efficiency and intensified law enforcement efforts.
“These numbers show that we are now reaping the fruits of reforms focused on greater efficiency and intensified enforcement against immigration violators,” Schreiber said. He pointed to targeted operations such as Operation New Broom, which has been central to identifying and detaining undocumented migrants across the country.
The department has also ramped up the use of biometric verification systems to confirm identities and detect individuals who may have previously evaded authorities. Officials say these technological interventions have significantly improved the speed and accuracy of processing deportations.
Schreiber issued a stern warning to those residing in the country illegally, urging voluntary departure to avoid harsher consequences.
“Our message remains clear: if you are in South Africa illegally, self-deport now before we find you and ban you from ever entering our country legally in future,” he said.
Beyond enforcement, the department is increasingly investing in modern surveillance and monitoring tools. The use of drones and body-worn cameras has already been rolled out in certain operations, enhancing the ability of officials to track and apprehend suspects while improving accountability.
A key component of the department’s long-term strategy is the planned expansion of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system. Once fully implemented, the system will capture biometric data for all foreign nationals entering South Africa, creating a comprehensive digital record aimed at preventing visa overstays and identity fraud.
The government argues that these measures are necessary to protect national security, safeguard public services and ensure compliance with immigration laws. However, the intensified deportation drive is likely to continue drawing scrutiny from human rights organisations, which have previously raised concerns about due process and the treatment of migrants.
As the GNU administration continues to prioritise immigration control, deportations are expected to remain a central pillar of Home Affairs’ enforcement strategy, with authorities signalling that operations will be further scaled up in the coming months.
