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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Gerald Imray

Why immigrants are leaving South Africa and the country is on edge ahead of a June 30 'deadline'

APTOPIX South Africa Migrants - (Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

Thousands of African immigrants are leaving South Africa because of a rise in anti-migration anger that sparked attacks against foreigners.

The attacks have coincided with a series of protests and marches in recent months by anti-immigration groups, who have set what they are calling a June 30 deadline for people in the country illegally to leave and the government to take action against what they say is a growing problem of illegal immigration in Africa's biggest economy.

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