South Africa has deported 490 Mozambican nationals for residing in the country illegally. The deportees arrived in Mozambique on Saturday and were received by the Maputo Provincial Directorate of Migration, which supervised their screening and registration.
The exercise involved several security and health agencies, including the National Migration Service (SENAMI), the National Criminal Investigation Service (SERNIC), the Ministry of Health and the police.
Upon their arrival, the deportees were advised to return to their respective communities and obtain regular passports. They were also cautioned against illegal immigration and informed about its legal consequences.
Carmen Mazenga, spokesperson for the Maputo Provincial Directorate of Migration, stressed that Mozambicans seeking employment in South Africa must obtain the appropriate work visas. She explained that tourist visas and visa-free travel arrangements do not permit foreigners to work in the country.
She further warned that individuals who work without the required permits risk arrest and deportation and urged citizens to apply for work visas through the appropriate embassies.
