The Department of Home Affairs says no cross-border migrants have volunteered for repatriation following Monday’s ‘March and March Movement’ protest, despite expectations that some would come forward, reports Polokwane Review.

‘We thought they would get in touch’

Provincial manager Albert Matsaung said the department anticipated requests from migrants wanting to return to their home countries voluntarily after the demonstration but had received none to date.

“We thought that cross-border migrants who wanted to leave would get in touch with us because of the march, but we do not have any volunteers yet,” he said.

No funding for repatriation programme

He added that Home Affairs was not actively encouraging voluntary repatriation because it currently lacks funding for such a programme.

The department would, however, assist anyone who presented themselves for help.

“Should they present themselves, we would not have any other option but to find means to help repatriate them,” he said.

Other countries offering assistance

Matsaung noted that countries including Namibia, Ghana and Nigeria have informed their citizens that assistance is available should they wish to return home because of concerns around tensions linked to cross-border migration, regardless of their immigration status.

Police contingency plans remain in place

The comments come as Limpopo police confirmed that contingency plans remain in place and that monitoring will continue daily beyond Monday’s march to ensure peace and stability in the province.

Deputy Provincial Commissioner Major General Jan Scheepers said police were coordinating daily with national structures, the State Security Agency, Home Affairs and other stakeholders.

“I want to assure you that we are not only dealing with this as a province, we are dealing with it as a country. We had a long meeting. We know step by step what is happening and what is developing,” he said.

Criminals will not be repatriated

Scheepers added that police were supporting Home Affairs to ensure that any migrants repatriated were not wanted for crimes, out on bail or under investigation.

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