South Africa Protests Over June 30 Migrant Deadline

Protests erupted across South Africa after campaign groups announced that undocumented migrants must leave the country by June 30. The deadline, set by the Migrant Rights Coalition and the South African National Union of Migrants, follows a series of policy changes that tightened border controls and increased enforcement of immigration laws. Demonstrators gathered in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban, chanting slogans demanding a fair and humane approach to migration and calling for the government to honour its commitments to protect vulnerable populations.

The campaign groups argue that the June 30 deadline will force thousands of migrants—many of whom have lived in the country for years and contribute to local economies—to either regularise their status or face detention and deportation. They point to the lack of clear pathways to legal residency and the risk of exploitation for those who leave without documentation. In response, the Department of Home Affairs said it would review the policy and explore options for a more inclusive immigration framework, while opposition parties urged the government to avoid a humanitarian crisis.

As the deadline approaches, authorities have increased patrols along key entry points and announced a temporary suspension of processing new asylum claims. The protests are expected to continue, with organizers seeking to pressure the government into negotiating a more balanced solution that safeguards both national security and human rights.