Tens of thousands of foreign nationals are leaving South Africa as ultra-nationalist groups pressure undocumented migrants to exit the country [1].
This mass departure threatens regional stability by disrupting cross-border trade and destroying the livelihoods of families who rely on the South African economy, particularly in the neighboring kingdom of Eswatini.
President Cyril Ramaphosa said the tensions over migration were rising in June 2026. The unrest stems from ultra-nationalist groups demanding that undocumented migrants leave, citing specific concerns regarding national security and the economy.
The exodus has created a ripple effect across the border. In Eswatini, the sudden loss of workers and the disruption of trade routes have hampered local commerce. Many families in the region depend on remittances, and the movement of goods between the two nations to survive.
While the South African government has recognized the volatility of the situation, the pressure from nationalist factions continues to drive foreign nationals away. The scale of the departure is significant, with tens of thousands [1] of people moving across borders as the environment becomes increasingly hostile for those without legal documentation.
The economic impact extends beyond individual livelihoods. The disruption of established trade networks between South Africa and Eswatini may lead to long-term instability in regional markets if the flow of people and goods is not restored.
“Tens of thousands of foreign nationals are leaving South Africa”
The situation reflects a growing trend of nationalist sentiment in Southern Africa, where economic anxiety is being channeled into anti-migrant rhetoric. Because Eswatini is economically intertwined with South Africa, the forced removal of undocumented workers creates a humanitarian and economic crisis that transcends national borders, potentially forcing regional bodies to intervene to prevent further trade collapses.
