The Department of Home Affairs has announced that South Africa’s current rate of deportations has exceeded the performances of some European countries combined. This comes as Home Affairs deportations surge to over 46,000.

According to a statement issued by the Department of Home Affairs, it noted that it increased the number of illegal immigrants it deported to 46,898 in the 2024 and 2025 financial year that ended on 31 March 2025.

This number increased by 18% when compared to the previous year’s 39 672. This is reportedly the highest number of deportations carried out in at least the last five years and is triple the number conducted in recent years.

Over the financial year that ended 31 March, Home Affairs increased deportation of illegal immigrants to 46 898. This is more than France (22 000) and Germany (20 000) combined. This is 18% more than the year before – and triple the number of 5 years ago. Rule of law in action pic.twitter.com/Tmavf4sqYP

— Leon Schreiber (@Leon_Schreib) April 2, 2025

According to the department, its deportation efforts over the past year exceed the number of deportations conducted by France (22,000) and Germany (20,000) combined over the same period.

The total number of deportations for the past five years is as follows:

• 2020/21: 14 859
• 2021/22: 20 093
• 2022/23: 22 560
• 2023/24: 39 672
• 2024/25: 46 898

Minister of Home Affairs, Dr Leon Schreiber, said in a statement that this marked increase in the effectiveness of enforcement operations demonstrates the department’s commitment to upholding the rule of law.

“It also flows from improved collaboration between the Department of Home Affairs, the Border Management Authority, the South African Police Service and local law enforcement. It further reflects the impact of joint initiatives like Operation Vala Umgodi.”

This comes ahead of the launch of the Border Management and Immigration Anti-Corruption Forum that was unveiled by Schreiber, and the Head of the Special Investigating Unit, Advocate Andy Mothibi, on 25 March.

This initiative reportedly forms a key part of the intensified and coordinated effort to clamp down on corruption at both South African borders and the Home Affairs Department.

READ MORE: Home Affairs and SIU work to end corruption at SA borders

“The fact that Home Affairs now performs more than double the number of deportations conducted in a country like France, which has the highest rate of deportations in the European Union sends a clear message to offenders that the days of impunity are over.”

Schreiber added that this improved performance, coupled with the department’s digital transformation reforms which will prevent people from entering the country illegally, contributes to enhanced national security and trade facilitation.