South African police and Home Affairs officials met with foreign nationals in Durban on Thursday to verify their legal status and residency permits.
The intervention follows reports of targeted intimidation and abuse against non-citizens, highlighting a volatile security situation for undocumented and documented migrants in the region.
Officials from the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Department of Home Affairs, including the head of asylum seeker management, convened with the group outside the Diakonia Centre in the Durban Central Business District [1, 2, 3]. The meeting was scheduled for 11 a.m. on May 21, 2026 [3, 4].
Foreign nationals were ordered to hand over official documents to Home Affairs officials for verification [3]. This move comes after individuals reported spending three consecutive nights away from their homes due to fear of violence and harassment [1].
The urgency of the verification process is tied to a planned national shutdown scheduled for June 30 [4]. This shutdown is reportedly targeting undocumented foreigners, which has increased anxiety among the migrant population in Durban [4, 1].
Authorities said the engagement aims to ensure the safety of the foreign nationals while enforcing immigration laws. By verifying permits and legal status, the government intends to identify those with legal residency, and address the safety concerns of those currently camping in the city center [2, 3].
The gathering at the Diakonia Centre serves as a temporary refuge for those who feel unsafe returning to their residences. The coordination between SAPS and Home Affairs is intended to prevent further escalations of violence as the June 30 date approaches [1, 4].
“Foreign nationals have spent three consecutive nights away from their residences due to intimidation and abuse.”
This operation reflects the South African government's attempt to balance immigration enforcement with the prevention of xenophobic violence. By proactively verifying documents before the planned June 30 shutdown, authorities are attempting to mitigate the risk of vigilante action against documented residents while preparing for the removal of those without legal status.
