R80m spent on deporting undocumented immigrants out of SA in one year

THE Department of Home Affairs has spent nearly R80 million on the deportation of undocumented immigrants in the 2024/2025 financial year, revealing a sharp increase in expenditure over the last three years.

- JONISAYI MAROMO

The figures were disclosed in a written parliamentary response by Home Affairs Minister, Dr Leon Schreiber, to a question posed by Patriotic Alliance Member of Parliament Millicent Mothapa.

“What total amount has his department spent on the deportation of illegal immigrants in the past three financial years, and the number of illegal immigrants who were deported?” Mothapa asked.

In his written reply, Schreiber confirmed that the department’s expenditure on deportations has risen significantly:

@ 2022/2023 financial year: R32 237 558 was spent on deporting 22 560 undocumented foreign nationals.

@ 2023/2024 financial year: Expenditure jumped to R67 614 902 for the deportation of 39 627 people.