Story perspectives

Home Affairs seeks nearly R292m repatriation reimbursements from three countries

8/13/2026

Summary

Story summary

Department of Home Affairs is seeking reimbursement from Malawi, Nigeria and Ethiopia for nearly R292 million spent on repatriations.
Director-General Tommy Makhode told Parliament the cost far exceeded the R60 million deportation budget.
The department processed 82,875 foreign nationals through repatriation centres by 6 August 2026, with buses costing R203.5 million.
Makhode said the unfunded mandate led Home Affairs to send reimbursement letters via the Department of International Relations and Cooperation.

History

Historical Context

After the 2015 surge of over 1 million asylum requests in Italy and Greece, the EU created an emergency fund and expanded Frontex operations. The response built on the Valletta Summit’s Emergency Trust Fund and the €3 billion EU-Turkey agreement that aimed to curb irregular crossings and shift migration costs to partner states.

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Story summary

Department of Home Affairs is seeking reimbursement from Malawi, Nigeria and Ethiopia for nearly R292 million spent on repatriations.
Director-General Tommy Makhode told Parliament the cost far exceeded the R60 million deportation budget.
The department processed 82,875 foreign nationals through repatriation centres by 6 August 2026, with buses costing R203.5 million.
Makhode said the unfunded mandate led Home Affairs to send reimbursement letters via the Department of International Relations and Cooperation.

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