Escalating xenophobic attacks against foreign nationals across South Africa have prompted several governments to initiate repatriation efforts for their citizens, amidst a growing humanitarian crisis. Hundreds of foreigners, predominantly nationals of Malawi and Mozambique, have been forced to flee their homes, seeking refuge in community halls along South Africa's coast. Many recount harrowing experiences of mobs going door-to-door, instructing them to leave the country. Reports describe individuals being chased "like dogs" and spending nights in mountains and bushes before reaching safety.

The violence, which started as small protests against illegal foreign nationals, intensified dramatically, particularly in towns like Mossel Bay, where 55 shacks were torched. The Mozambican government has stated that five of its citizens were killed as a direct consequence of these xenophobic attacks, with South African police reporting two Mozambican deaths. Eyewitness accounts from individuals like Thomas Vincent Baloyi, a Mozambican construction worker of 16 years, reveal a disregard for legal documentation, with attackers dragging people from their houses, leading to loss of passports and beatings. Local councillors like Msa Nomatiti even alleged that some mobs were accompanied by police, leading to over 500 people fleeing their homes in Gansbaai alone.

In response to the escalating crisis, various countries have stepped up efforts to evacuate their citizens. Ghana's High Commission in South Africa announced the second phase of a voluntary evacuation exercise, with departure scheduled for Sunday, June 7, 2026. This follows a temporary suspension of registrations to verify and process a large number of applications. Approved evacuees are required to report to the High Commission for pre-departure formalities, with strict guidelines on baggage allowance and necessary travel documents for children. Emergency Travel Certificates will be issued at the airport on the day of travel.

However, these evacuation efforts have not been without criticism. The Minority in Ghana's Parliament, led by Ranking Member on the Foreign Affairs Committee, Samuel Abdulai Jinapor, has criticised the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, for what they term "funfair" surrounding the initial evacuation of 297 Ghanaians. Jinapor urged the government to prioritise substantive relief efforts over public relations and expressed concern over the reported suspension of registration for the remaining 1,500 Ghanaians seeking evacuation. He highlighted Ghana's history of discreetly evacuating citizens during past crises, such as during civil conflicts in Liberia and Sierra Leone under President Rawlings, and during the Ukraine crisis and COVID-19 pandemic under President Akufo-Addo, without similar fanfare.

Similarly, Zambia successfully repatriated 40 of its nationals from South Africa between May 23 and May 25, 2026. This action was prompted by anti-foreigner demonstrations in KwaZulu-Natal Province, particularly in Estcourt, where local community groups and the Mayor called for foreign nationals to leave by the end of May. The Zambian Embassy in Pretoria facilitated the repatriation, which included citizens from Estcourt, Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Pretoria. The Zambia Association in South Africa (ZASA) continues to monitor the situation and engage with the Embassy to ensure the welfare and safety of Zambian nationals.

As uncertainty persists in various localities, particularly within specific residential communities, governments are urged to continue their focused efforts to provide concrete protection and safe passage for their citizens, ensuring that substantive action takes precedence over publicity.