By Mapaballo Borotho
- A total of 663 Ghanaian nationals were repatriated from South Africa over the weekend.
- More than 300 of those processed had allegedly overstayed their visas by 30 days or longer.
- The Border Management Authority says the operation included travellers using both passports and emergency travel documents.
A total of 663 Ghanaian nationals were successfully repatriated from South Africa to Ghana over the weekend as authorities continue to process foreign nationals ahead of the 30 June 2026 deadline.
The latest group follows the departure of approximately 300 Ghanaian nationals who had already returned home in recent weeks.
According to the Border Management Authority (BMA), more than 300 of those repatriated had overstayed their permitted period of stay in South Africa by 30 days or longer.
BMA Commissioner Michael Masiapato said 170 of the travellers used ordinary Ghanaian passports, while 162 travelled on Emergency Travel Certificates issued by the Ghanaian High Commission in Pretoria.
“Emergency Travel Certificates are single-use travel documents issued to facilitate the return of citizens to their country of origin,” said Masiapato.
Nine passengers were, however, prevented from boarding the flight. These included two families with five children. Airline personnel deemed two adults medically unfit to travel.
Masiapato added that 37 children born in South Africa were also processed using Emergency Travel Certificates.
The repatriation forms part of ongoing efforts by authorities to manage immigration compliance and facilitate the voluntary return of foreign nationals to their countries of origin.
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