South Africa deported 490 Mozambican nationals on Saturday, 31 October, for illegal residence in the country. The deportees were received by the Maputo Provincial Migration Directorate, which oversaw identification, registration, and onward referral procedures.

According to Jornal Domingo, the operation involved the National Migration Service (SENAMI), the National Criminal Investigation Service (SERNIC), the Ministry of Health (MISAU), and the Mozambican Republic Police (PRM).

Carmen Mazenga, spokesperson for the Maputo Provincial Migration Directorate, explained that the individuals were advised to return to their home regions and to approach the relevant authorities to obtain standard passports. They were also warned of the risks and legal consequences of irregular migration.

Mazenga further clarified that Mozambican nationals seeking employment in South Africa must first obtain a work visa, as tourist visas and the bilateral visa-exemption agreement between the two countries do not permit the exercise of professional activities.

"Anyone working on a tourist visa immediately becomes an illegal immigrant — they are detained and deported, and they lose all the money they have invested. Always apply for a work visa through the embassies," Mazenga said.

In August, Mozambique had already received 599 repatriated nationals from South Africa following episodes of xenophobic violence.