Immigration officials in Durban have identified only one undocumented foreign national after processing at least 300 individuals during a large-scale verification operation on Thursday, following days of tension linked to protests by displaced immigrants seeking protection.
The mass processing exercise was launched after hundreds of immigrants, many of whom had been camping in parts of Durban, were transported to a designated refugee reception centre for documentation checks. The group had taken to the streets earlier this week, calling for urgent intervention and increased police protection amid growing fears over their safety.
Their protests were sparked by a wave of anti-illegal immigration demonstrations held across several parts of South Africa, reportedly organised by civic movement March and March. The group has been calling for stricter enforcement of immigration laws, triggering anxiety among both documented and undocumented foreign nationals.
On Thursday, immigration officers worked extended hours to process the backlog of cases, with support from the Department of Home Affairs and the eThekwini Municipality.
Speaking during the operation, eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba praised officials for their swift response and confirmed that only one person among the hundreds processed had been found without legal documentation.
“We had to ensure that the centre remains open even after normal business hours. We engaged with the Home Affairs national office, which authorised overtime so that all individuals could be attended to. They have now been processed, and only one out of the 300 was found to be undocumented,” Xaba said.
The mayor added that the operation was intended not only to verify legal status but also to restore calm and ensure that vulnerable communities receive necessary support.
The protest by the immigrants began on Monday, with demonstrators demanding stronger protection from authorities, claiming they were living in fear following recent anti-immigration marches and increased hostility in some communities.
South Africa continues to face intense debate over immigration, with rising public frustration over unemployment, housing shortages, and access to public services often fuelling tensions around undocumented migration. Government officials have repeatedly stated that while undocumented immigration must be addressed through lawful channels, the rights and safety of all people within the country must be respected.
The Department of Home Affairs has in recent months intensified efforts to improve immigration enforcement, including digital verification systems and coordinated inspections in major cities. Officials say such operations are essential to ensuring accurate records and distinguishing between documented refugees, asylum seekers, and those residing in the country illegally.
For many of the immigrants processed in Durban, Thursday’s operation brought some relief, as fears of mass detentions or deportations did not materialise.
Authorities are expected to continue monitoring the situation closely as they work with community leaders, law enforcement, and humanitarian organisations to prevent further unrest and ensure the safety of both migrants and local residents.
