South Africa’s Home Affairs Deportations Surge By 46% To Over 109,000 Under GNU Administration

The South African Department of Home Affairs reports a 46% surge in deportations, totaling 109,344 over two years. Advanced tech and GNU policies drive the crackdown.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 9, 2026, 3:38 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from IOL

Home Affairs Reports Exponential Growth In Immigration Enforcement

In a comprehensive media statement released on Thursday, April 9, 2026, the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) revealed that it has deported over 109,000 undocumented foreign nationals since April 2024. This surge represents a significant escalation in law enforcement activity following the formation of the Government of National Unity (GNU) after the May 2024 general elections. The department emphasized that this "marked increase" is a direct result of a renewed institutional focus on restoring the rule of law and tightening the country's borders against immigration violations.

Statistical Breakdown Of Annual Deportation Increases

The data provided by the DHA illustrates a consistent upward trajectory in annual enforcement figures. During the first year of the current administration (2024/25), deportations rose by 30%, jumping from 39,672 in the previous cycle to 51,560. This was followed by a further 12% increase in the 2025/26 financial year, which saw 57,784 individuals deported. Collectively, these figures represent a 46% cumulative increase over the two-year period ending March 31, 2026. Minister Dr. Leon Schreiber noted that these results stem from specific reforms aimed at increasing efficiency and intensifying crackdowns on those bypassing legal entry requirements.

Technological Modernization And Operation New Broom

The department’s success is being attributed to a multi-pronged approach involving both active field campaigns and the integration of fourth-industrial-revolution tools. Under "Operation New Broom," the DHA has utilized biometric verification tools and drone technology to track and identify undocumented individuals. Minister Schreiber also highlighted the impending scale-up of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system. This modernized platform will record biometrics for every foreign visitor, providing authorities with a robust digital ledger to detect and arrest anyone overstaying their visas or entering the country illegally.