The first group of Ghanaians being evacuated from South Africa following renewed xenophobic tensions is expected to arrive in Accra today, May 27, as government intensifies efforts to protect citizens living abroad.

The repatriation exercise is being coordinated by Ghana’s diplomatic mission in South Africa together with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration amid growing fears among Ghanaians residing in parts of the country where foreign nationals have reportedly come under attack.

Authorities had earlier indicated that the evacuation process would commence on May 21. However, the operation was postponed after officials recorded a significantly higher number of Ghanaians requesting assistance to return home than initially anticipated.

The surge in registrations compelled authorities to revise logistical arrangements, including travel documentation, accommodation, transport and flight scheduling, to cater for the increasing number of evacuees.

Recent xenophobic tensions in South Africa have heightened anxiety within migrant communities, with reports of harassment, threats, destruction of property and pressure on foreigners to vacate certain communities.

Although South African authorities have publicly condemned xenophobic violence and assured residents of protection regardless of nationality, concerns remain high among African migrants who say they continue to feel unsafe during periods of unrest.

South Africa has over the years witnessed repeated outbreaks of xenophobic violence, often linked to frustrations over unemployment, crime, economic difficulties and competition for jobs and businesses.

Foreign nationals from several African countries, including Ghana, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Somalia, Ethiopia and Malawi have frequently been affected during such incidents.

Some of the deadliest attacks were recorded in 2008, when dozens of people lost their lives and thousands were displaced, with similar episodes recurring in 2015 and 2019 and drawing condemnation from governments across the African continent.