Significant increase in deportations: 109K+ removed in last two fiscal years

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A total of 109,344 individuals have been deported by the Department of Home Affairs over the last two financial years since the establishment of the Government of National Unity (GNU).

This marked increase in law enforcement against immigration violations demonstrates the commitment of the department of home affairs and our partners in law enforcement to restoring the rule of law.

During the first year of the current administration, deportations rose by 30%, from 39,672 in 2023/24 to 51,560 in 2024/25, and increased by 12% to 57,784 in 2025/26, totaling 109,344 over the past two years.

Home affairs minister Dr. Leon Schreiber noted that the current numbers indicate positive outcomes from reforms aimed at enhancing efficiency and increasing enforcement against immigration violations.

46% increase in deportations

“Operation New Broom and the increasing use of biometric verification tools have already led to a 46% increase in deportations.

“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 the future.”

“While enforcement efforts are clearly yielding fruit and scaling up every year, we remain equally focused on deterrence and modernisation,” he said.

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The minister highlighted that utilizing drone and body camera technology, alongside the expansion of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system, will enhance the detection and arrest of illegal foreigners in South Africa by capturing their biometrics at entry.