The Border Management Authority (BMA) has confirmed the successful processing and repatriation of 663 Ghanaian nationals through OR Tambo International Airport over the weekend.
The large-scale operation was conducted in partnership with the Ghana High Commission in Pretoria, the Government of Ghana and several South African government departments.
According to the BMA, many of the individuals processed had overstayed their legal stay in South Africa and were subsequently declared undesirable in terms of the Immigration Act.
The repatriation took place over two days using chartered flights arranged by the Government of Ghana.
Some of the travellers departed using ordinary Ghanaian passports, while others travelled on Emergency Travel Certificates issued by the Ghanaian High Commission.
On Saturday, authorities processed and cleared 323 passengers for departure. However, nine individuals were not permitted to board due to medical concerns.
A second chartered flight departed on Sunday carrying 340 passengers, including 10 deportees who had been held at the Lindela Repatriation Centre.
The BMA praised the cooperation between South African and Ghanaian authorities, describing the operation as an example of effective migration management and lawful repatriation procedures.
The authority said the operation demonstrates ongoing efforts to ensure compliance with South Africa’s immigration laws while maintaining cooperation with foreign governments on migration-related matters.
