NATJOINTS Launches Verification Drive for Foreign Nationals at eThekwini Refugee Centre

South Africa’s National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) has initiated a targeted verification operation involving foreign nationals currently gathered at the Diakonia Refugee Centre in eThekwini, KwaZulu-Natal, amid rising tensions linked to illegal immigration concerns and reported threats from anti-immigrant groups.

The operation, which commenced on Thursday, is being conducted by an integrated team comprising the Department of Home Affairs, Department of Social Development, Department of Transport, the South African Police Service (SAPS), and provincial law enforcement agencies.

Authorities say the verification process is aimed at determining the legal immigration status of all individuals currently sheltering at the centre while ensuring compliance with South African immigration laws and maintaining public safety.

Refugees Seek Shelter Following Alleged Threats

According to NATJOINTS, approximately 200 foreign nationals have sought refuge at the Diakonia Refugee Centre after allegedly fearing for their safety due to threats posed by anti-illegal immigrant groups in the communities where they reside.

The situation reportedly escalated following tensions linked to illegal immigration concerns and community unrest in certain areas of KwaZulu-Natal.

The verification process follows engagements between the Southern African Refugee Forum — representing the foreign nationals at the centre — and senior NATJOINTS officials alongside law enforcement authorities in the province.

Officials said the government is attempting to balance the protection of lawfully residing foreign nationals with enforcement measures against undocumented immigration.

Verification Process to Determine Legal Status

NATJOINTS stated that the integrated operation is intended to verify the documentation and legal standing of all individuals gathered at the refugee centre.

Authorities explained that the process aims to:

• Establish the immigration status of individuals

• Protect foreign nationals legally residing in South Africa

• Process undocumented individuals according to immigration laws

• Address concerns linked to illegal occupation of the centre

• Maintain public order and safety

Provincial SAPS spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda confirmed that the verification process is being conducted jointly by multiple government departments and security agencies.

“This process will be conducted with the integrated team of NATJOINTS to ensure that we attend to all the issues associated with this illegal occupation of the centre,” Netshiunda said.

He added that individuals found to be residing illegally in South Africa would be processed for deportation to their countries of origin in accordance with immigration legislation.

SAPS Investigating Assault and Intimidation Cases

Alongside the immigration verification process, police authorities are also investigating several criminal allegations connected to the situation.

These include reported cases involving:

• Assault allegations involving foreign nationals

• Intimidation incidents

• Malicious damage to property

• Closure of businesses linked to tensions in local communities

Acting Provincial Commissioner Major General Phumelela Makoba assured that all reported cases would be fully investigated by law enforcement agencies.

Authorities have reiterated that criminal conduct, intimidation and violence from any group will not be tolerated.

Government Reaffirms “Rule of Law” Approach to Immigration

In a detailed statement, NATJOINTS emphasized that South Africa remains committed to a rules-based immigration system grounded in constitutional principles, human rights obligations and the rule of law.

Authorities said the government aims to balance national security considerations with the protection of human dignity and fairness for all individuals residing within the country.

The statement stressed that illegal immigration places increasing pressure on public services, economic systems and social stability, making lawful immigration management essential.

“There is no alternative to the rule of law,” NATJOINTS stated.

Officials also highlighted that South Africa is currently modernising its immigration system to improve security, efficiency and governance through ongoing policy and legal reforms.

Warning Against Violence and Xenophobic Actions

The government strongly condemned violence, intimidation and threats directed at foreign nationals, stating that such actions do not reflect South Africa’s constitutional values or official government policy.

NATJOINTS warned that criminal activities disguised as activism or anti-immigrant campaigns would face legal consequences.

“Violence and acts of intimidation and threats against foreign nationals are unacceptable and do not reflect the values of South Africans or government policy,” the statement said.

The agency further warned that lawlessness and vigilante actions would not be tolerated under any circumstances.

The issue of xenophobic violence has periodically surfaced in South Africa over the years, often driven by economic pressures, unemployment concerns and tensions surrounding undocumented migration.

Human rights organisations have repeatedly called for stronger community engagement and law enforcement action to prevent anti-foreigner violence.

Operation Shanela Intensifies Immigration Enforcement

NATJOINTS said that immigration enforcement remains an ongoing priority under Operation Shanela and other high-density crime prevention operations conducted nationwide.

Operation Shanela is a large-scale law enforcement initiative involving intelligence-driven operations aimed at combating crime, illegal immigration and related unlawful activities across South Africa.

According to SAPS statistics:

• Since January 1, 2026, authorities have arrested 29,731 illegal foreign nationals during nationwide operations.

• During the previous financial year, 76,588 undocumented foreign nationals were arrested.

• The Department of Home Affairs deported 59,814 undocumented individuals during the same period.

Authorities stated that these operations are conducted jointly by SAPS, the Department of Home Affairs and other security agencies to ensure compliance with national immigration laws.

Immigration Debate Intensifies in South Africa

The developments come amid increasing national debate in South Africa regarding illegal immigration, border security, unemployment pressures and social stability.

Several political groups and civil society organisations have raised concerns about the economic and social impact of undocumented migration, while human rights groups continue to stress the importance of protecting refugees, asylum seekers and lawful migrants from discrimination and violence.

The South African government has maintained that immigration management must occur through lawful and orderly state processes rather than through vigilante or anti-immigrant actions.

Analysts say balancing immigration enforcement with constitutional protections and human rights obligations remains one of the country’s most sensitive governance challenges.

Government Pushes for More Secure Immigration System

Authorities reiterated that South Africa is working toward creating a more modern, secure and responsive immigration management system capable of addressing both security concerns and humanitarian responsibilities.

Ongoing reforms aim to strengthen border management, improve documentation systems, enhance deportation procedures and increase cooperation between government departments involved in immigration enforcement.

Officials say intelligence-led operations will continue to target illegal immigration networks, trafficking activities and criminal groups exploiting undocumented migration systems.

At the same time, the government has stressed that individuals legally residing in South Africa will continue to receive protection under the country’s constitutional framework.

Tensions Highlight Broader Regional Migration Challenges

The situation at the Diakonia Refugee Centre also reflects wider migration pressures affecting Southern Africa, where economic disparities, political instability and regional conflicts continue to drive cross-border migration.

As migration flows increase, governments across the region are facing growing challenges related to border control, refugee protection, social integration and economic pressures.

The outcome of the current verification process in eThekwini is likely to influence future discussions around immigration policy, refugee management and social cohesion in South Africa.