South Africa spent more than R175 million deporting 57,464 foreign nationals across two financial years, according to figures disclosed by Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber in written parliamentary replies answered on September 3, 2026. Official records show the state’s deportation system facing severe pressure, with thousands of individuals held in detention facilities while awaiting removal.
Deportation Spending and Annual Figures
The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) reported starkly different spending totals across the two annual cycles. According to the department, 51,650 foreign nationals were deported in the 2024-25 financial year at a cost of R101,773,704.72. Removals dropped sharply in the 2025-26 financial year, with 5,814 foreign nationals deported at a cost of R73,375,375.62, bringing the total expenditure to R175,149,080.34.
Separate reporting from conviction.co.za places total removals even higher at 109,344 individuals over a two-year period ending March 2026, marking a 46% increase driven by annual removals climbing from 39,672 to 57,784 between the 2023/24 and 2025/26 financial years. Minister Dr Leon Schreiber attributed the rise to tighter enforcement operations, such as Operation New Broom, and the rollout of biometric verification systems.
Lindela Holding Facility Capacity Pressures
The latest figures highlight significant strain on state infrastructure. According to written parliamentary replies, 3,731 foreign nationals remained in detention awaiting deportation as of 28 August. This population pushes near the operational ceiling of Lindela, the primary holding facility used for deportations.
“Lindela, as the holding facility for purposes of deportation, has a capacity for 4000 deportees at a time,” Schreiber said in his parliamentary response. The department stated it does not intend to keep people in detention for extended periods, aiming instead to facilitate removals to countries of origin in the quickest possible time.
Did you know? The department’s Inspectorate operations are planned under its Annual Performance Plan and executed within existing budget allocations, according to Minister Schreiber. Inspectorate sweeps enforce Immigration Act compliance concerning citizens from multiple nations—including Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Malawi, Lesotho, Nigeria, Pakistan, Bangladesh, China, India, Ethiopia, Somalia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Cameroon.
Technology and Legal Compliance for Employers
Enforcement efforts rely increasingly on new tools. According to conviction.co.za, the department has introduced drone and body-camera technology, alongside plans to scale up the Electronic Travel Authorisation system to capture biometric data from all foreign nationals entering the country.
At the same time, the legal framework places strict obligations beyond the state. Responding to EFF MP Laetitia Arries, Schreiber noted that the Immigration Act governs entry, residence, and employment. Pursuant to Section 38 of the legislation, both employers and landlords carry a statutory duty to confirm that foreign individuals hold valid and current papers before providing them with a job or accommodation. Failure to comply exposes parties to criminal prosecution, fines, or imprisonment. The DHA Inspectorate also works alongside the Department of Employment and Labour to enforce restrictions against employing undocumented workers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much did South Africa spend on deportations?
The Department of Home Affairs spent R175,149,080.34 over two financial years, removing 57,464 people according to parliamentary replies answered on 3 September 2026.
What is the capacity of the Lindela holding facility?
Lindela has a maximum capacity of 4000 deportees at a time, with 3,731 foreign nationals recorded in detention awaiting deportation as of 28 August.
What are employer and landlord obligations under South African immigration law?
Under Section 38 of the Immigration Act, employers and landlords must verify that foreign nationals possess valid, current documentation before providing employment or housing.
What technologies are being used to tighten immigration enforcement?
According to conviction.co.za, the department utilizes biometric verification systems, Operation New Broom, drone technology, body cameras, and an expanding Electronic Travel Authorisation system.
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