Thousands of immigrants in South Africa are facing growing uncertainty after a wave of anti-immigrant protests, looting and intimidation swept across several parts of the country, prompting many foreign nationals to flee while others chose to remain despite mounting risks.
The unrest follows an unofficial June 30 deadline issued by vigilante groups calling on undocumented immigrants to leave the country. Although the deadline has no legal basis, it heightened tensions in communities where foreign nationals have increasingly become targets of hostility.
Authorities say the protests led to isolated attacks on migrant-owned businesses, with incidents of looting reported in parts of Johannesburg, Durban and surrounding townships. In Cape Town, long queues formed outside Home Affairs offices as immigrants sought to regularize their immigration status amid fears of further unrest.
South African police confirmed the arrest of more than 900 people in connection with the disturbances. Officials also reported at least one death and several injuries linked to the violence.
Many of the demonstrations have been driven by frustration over unemployment, which remains above 30 percent, with some protesters accusing foreign-owned businesses of taking economic opportunities from local residents.
Despite the escalating hostility, many immigrants say leaving South Africa is not a viable option. Some fled conflict or economic hardship in their countries of origin and believe returning would expose them to even greater danger.
Human rights groups have urged authorities to protect all residents from violence regardless of nationality, while calling for lasting solutions that address both public concerns over economic opportunities and the rights and safety of migrants.