Anti-migrant protests, raids and attacks on foreign-owned businesses have triggered deportations, repatriations and renewed concern across the continent.

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA — More than 53,000 migrants have been deported or repatriated from South Africa amid an immigration crackdown and a wave of anti-foreigner protests.

Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi said more than 80% of those who left were Malawian. Migrants from Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Nigeria, Uganda and Kenya were also affected, although authorities have not clarified how many departures were voluntary.

Tensions escalated after anti-migrant groups declared 30 June as a deadline for undocumented foreign nationals to leave the country.

Police said more than 900 people were arrested during demonstrations for offences including immigration violations, public violence, robbery and harbouring undocumented migrants. Foreign-owned shops were looted, while one person was shot dead during unrest in Alexandra, Johannesburg.

Protesters have also conducted door-to-door raids. Reuters witnessed residents being removed from homes in Alexandra and handed to police, including a Zimbabwean man who said he held a valid exemption permit.

South African authorities are investigating the deaths of at least three migrants linked to the unrest. Other African governments have reported additional deaths, although the circumstances remain disputed.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has acknowledged concerns about irregular migration but warned that only authorised state officials may enforce immigration laws.

The unrest has strained regional relations, with Ghana postponing bilateral engagements with South Africa following attacks and the repatriation of its citizens.

Researchers have cautioned against blaming migrants for South Africa’s unemployment and crime problems, while economists warn that the departure of foreign workers could disrupt agriculture, construction, hospitality, retail and the informal economy.

The violence has revived memories of the 2008 xenophobic attacks, in which more than 60 people were killed and thousands displaced.