Registration for evacuation from South Africa halted due to large numbers

The Ghana High Commission in South Africa has temporarily halted registration for evacuation from South Africa effective June 2, 2026, due to a surge in applications.

The High Commission explained that the suspension will allow South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs, in collaboration with Ghana’s mission, to properly screen and process the large number of Ghanaians who have expressed interest in being repatriated.

Earlier, the High Commission indicated that over 600 Ghanaians had registered for the second phase of evacuation amid rising xenophobic tensions, following the successful arrival of the first batch of evacuees in Accra on May 27, 2026.

However, the number of applicants has since risen to about 1,500, with an additional 900 Ghanaians reportedly registering voluntarily to leave the country amid fears linked to an alleged June 30, 2026 ultimatum issued by anti-immigrant vigilante groups.

“The temporary suspension is to enable the High Commission and the Department of Home Affairs to process and screen the large number of applications already received. To date, over 1,500 Ghanaians have registered, and the verification and processing of these applications is currently underway,” a statement from the mission said.

The Ghanaian Mission further assured applicants that the registration process will resume in due course, with updates to be communicated to affected individuals.

“The date for the next phase of registration will be communicated in due course. The High Commission further wishes to assure all interested Ghanaians who have not yet registered that the repatriation exercise has not ended,” it added.

According to the High Commissioner, Benjamin Quarshie, the number of Ghanaians currently residing in South Africa is estimated at about 15,000, meaning a significant portion of the community is now seeking voluntary evacuation as tensions persist.

The government has already secured 120 job opportunities for the first batch of 300 evacuees who arrived on May 27, 2026. Authorities have also called on Chief Executive Officers and entrepreneurs in Ghana to support reintegration efforts by providing employment opportunities to help stabilise the returnees in Accra.

Source: Diplomatic Times