Johannesburg: Thousands of foreign nationals are leaving South Africa as anti-immigrant groups have set a June 30 deadline for undocumented immigrants to exit the country. The groups have threatened nationwide demonstrations and a national shutdown if the government fails to take significant action on immigration.According to France24.com, anti-foreigner sentiment has surged in recent months, sparking protests in several major South African cities. These protests have tragically led to the deaths of three individuals, including a Malawian man and two Mozambican nationals, during demonstrations in KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape provinces. In response, the South African Police Services have launched a $36 million operation to maintain order, with acting Minister of Police Firoz Cachalia affirming that violence and lawlessness will not be tolerated.The government, under pressure from anti-immigrant groups, announced measures in early June to combat undocumented immigration. These measures include crackin g down on violations of the Immigration Act and enhancing border security. The government is also exploring updates to the immigration system with modern technology, while collaborating with other African nations to address the issue.Faced with potential violence, foreign nationals are banding together. France24.com reported on refugees fleeing their homes in early June following anti-immigrant protests in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. Many have gathered outside Home Affairs offices, awaiting repatriation to their home countries after decades in South Africa. Among them is Marjolain Mabako, a refugee from the Democratic Republic of Congo, who has lived in South Africa for over 22 years. Mabako described how protesters entered homes, threatening residents to leave, and recounted harrowing experiences of violence and theft.Christian Tchizungu, another refugee from the DRC, expressed his despair over the situation, highlighting the difficulties faced by foreign nationals in South Africa. Tchizungu, who managed a be auty salon in Durban with his wife, now finds himself on the pavement with fellow refugees, contemplating a return to a conflict-ridden homeland.The South African government's intensified immigration enforcement efforts have led to a significant increase in deportations, with over 109,000 deportations recorded as of March 2026. In the wake of recent protests, more than 8,000 foreign nationals have been processed for repatriation at the Beitbridge border post.The growing anti-foreign sentiment has prompted concern from organizations like Lawyers for Human Rights and Kopanang Africa Against Xenophobia. Sharon Ekambaram, head of the Refugee and Migrant Rights Programme at Lawyers for Human Rights, warned of the rise in vigilante and anti-rights groups and the racial profiling of foreign nationals. She emphasized that many victims are legally residing in South Africa with refugee status.With local elections approaching, Ekambaram criticized political parties for scapegoating migrants and diverting attention from corruption and mismanagement. As the June 30 deadline looms, the situation remains tense, with many refugees and asylum-seekers seeking legal assistance and going into hiding for fear of their lives.This level of inhumanity against fellow Africans is a serious stain on South Africa, Ekambaram stated, urging the country to uphold its reputation as a beacon of hope for human rights.