Over 1,500 Ghanaian Citizens Register for Repatriation from South Africa Due to Xenophobia

More than 1,500 Ghanaian citizens have registered with the South African High Commission for repatriation to their homeland due to rising anti-immigrant sentiment in the country, UTV Ghana reported, citing the commission.

Registration for the program was temporarily suspended as of June 2 to process and verify applications already received.

"To date, more than 1,500 Ghanaians have registered, and verification and processing of these applications are currently underway. The date for the next phase of new registration will be communicated in due course," the statement said.

Commission representatives emphasized that the program has not been terminated and urged Ghanaian citizens who have not yet submitted applications to remain calm and follow further announcements.

Earlier in June, five Mozambican citizens died as a result of xenophobic attacks in South Africa on May 30-31 in the city of Mossel Bay. Mozambican authorities warned of a possible worsening of the situation as anti-immigrant groups demand that foreigners leave South Africa by the end of June.