More than 8 000 Mozambican nationals living illegally in South Africa were repatriated to their country in March, one of the highest monthly figures after a visa-waiver agreement was introduced in April 2005.
Orlando Cossa, head of the immigration services at the Ressano Garcia border post, told the daily Noticias that at least 8 017 illegal Mozambicans were repatriated through that post in March.
In February, at least 3 577 illegals were repatriated through the same border post.
Cossa said in March the Mozambican immigration officials also deported 16 South Africans who were living illegally in Mozambique, a decrease from 20 in February.
”We continue to have illegal entries through the porous border post from both countries by people who sneak through illegal points,” said Cossa.
The visa-waiver agreement allows thousands of Mozambicans who shop and do business in South Africa to enter without visas for 30 days.
Mozambique also has visa waiver agreements with Namibia, Botswana, Malawi, Namibia, Swaziland, Zambia and Zimbabwe. – Sapa