Thokozile Mnguni
A total of 663 Ghanaian nationals were processed for repatriation to Ghana through OR Tambo International Airport over the weekend. The operation was confirmed by Border Management Authority (BMA) Commissioner Dr Michael Masiapato.
The repatriation process was coordinated through the Port Management Committee, which includes government stakeholders responsible for facilitating lawful and orderly movement across ports of entry.
Masiapato said on Saturday, 332 Ghanaian nationals arrived at OR Tambo International Airport under arrangements made by the Ghanaian High Commission in Pretoria. After checking in, the travellers underwent immigration verification and clearance procedures.
“Of those processed, 170 travelled on Ghanaian passports. A further 162 used Emergency Travel Certificates issued by the Ghanaian High Commission. The documents are issued to citizens returning to their country of origin” said Masiapato.
During processing, immigration officials found that 321 travellers had overstayed their permitted period of stay in South Africa by 30 days or more. They were subsequently declared undesirable in terms of Section 30 of the Immigration Act and Regulation 27(3)(c) of the Immigration Regulations.
Masiapato said at the conclusion of the process, 323 passengers were cleared for departure.
“They boarded a chartered flight arranged by the Government of Ghana through its High Commission in Pretoria” Masiapato added.
Nine passengers were removed from the flight after two travellers were declared medically unfit to fly. The group included two couples and their five children. Airport paramedics assisted the affected travellers before they were transferred to the airport clinic for further treatment.
On Sunday, a further 331 Ghanaian nationals arrived at the airport for repatriation.
Among them, 117 travelled on Ghanaian passports, while 90 used Emergency Travel Certificates. Another 37 children born in South Africa were processed using the same travel documents.
Masiapato said immigration officials also processed 25 asylum seekers who voluntarily withdrew their asylum applications.
During verification, 170 travellers were found to have overstayed their permitted stay in South Africa by 30 days or longer and were declared undesirable under the Immigration Act.
At the end of the process, 341 passengers were cleared for departure. This included 10 deportees from the Lindela Holding Facility. One traveller did not check in, while the remaining 340 boarded a chartered flight that departed at 09:30.
Masiapato said the operation highlighted effective cooperation between the Ghanaian government and South African authorities responsible for migration management and border security.
He commended the Port Management Committee and all officials involved in facilitating the repatriation process.
“The successful processing of these repatriation movements reflects the importance of coordinated efforts between foreign missions and South African authorities. Such cooperation contributes to effective migration management while ensuring compliance with the country’s immigration laws,” said Masiapato.