South Africa has deported or repatriated over 53,000 foreign nationals in a five-week "migration management" campaign. The majority were from Malawi, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique, amid rising anti-immigrant sentiment and protests.
South Africa is experiencing anti-immigration protests fueled by xenophobia and misinformation, mirroring a global rise in conservative nationalism. Protesters blame immigrants for crime and unemployment, despite data refuting these claims, tapping into real economic and social frustrations.
Mass anti-immigration protests swept across South Africa, with thousands marching and calling for foreigners to leave. The demonstrations follow a campaign against immigrants that has led to deaths and tens of thousands fleeing. Many fear the protests will escalate into violence.
Oxfordshire County Council is pursuing a High Court injunction against the Raise the Colours campaign group over the unauthorized display of England flags on lampposts. The council cites intimidation, division, road safety risks, and harassment, having spent £15,000 on flag removal. The group's leader was previously arrested.
Asylum seekers have been removed from the Bell hotel in Epping, Essex, as the Home Office terminates its contract due to fire and safety concerns. The hotel was previously a flashpoint for anti-immigration protests following a sexual assault incident.
Nigeria repatriated 262 citizens from South Africa following anti-immigration protests. South African officials stated the returnees were undocumented, while Nigerian officials cited fleeing xenophobic attacks. The repatriated Nigerians face a five-year re-entry ban.
Violent anti-immigration protests in Northern Ireland led to 16 arrests and 12 police injuries. Officials condemned the unrest as "racist thuggery," with targeted attacks based on skin color and fear among minority ethnic communities.
Police deployed water cannon against around 300 anti-immigration protesters in Northern Ireland who burned a truck and threw missiles. Unrest was reported in Derry, but fewer disturbances than previous nights. Ministers condemned the disorder, stating justice must take its course following a knife attack.
UK leaders called for calm after the arrest of a Sudanese asylum seeker accused of a violent stabbing in Belfast sparked anti-immigration protests. The suspect, who arrived on a five-year visa, faces attempted murder charges. Separate protests in Southampton over a previous stabbing also targeted hotels housing asylum seekers.
Five Mozambicans were killed in xenophobic attacks in Mossel Bay, South Africa, the Mozambican government reported. The violence, linked to protests against illegal immigration, also caused a road accident that killed two others. Hundreds of Mozambicans have been displaced and are being repatriated.
