The departure of tens of thousands of migrants from South Africa amid weeks of anti-migrant protests is beginning to create significant labour shortages across key sectors of the country’s already struggling economy.
Businesses that rely heavily on migrant workers are reporting growing disruptions, with a digital platform connecting households to domestic workers facing staffing shortages, delivery services losing drivers and textile manufacturers struggling to replace experienced employees.
South African authorities say they have processed around 67,000 migrants for deportation or voluntary repatriation in recent weeks as part of an intensified migration management campaign. However, officials and analysts believe the actual number of people leaving the country is considerably higher.
Zimbabwe has reported that nearly 100,000 of its citizens have returned home since late May, indicating that many migrants are leaving voluntarily outside formal repatriation programmes.
The exodus follows weeks of anti-migrant demonstrations across South Africa, where protesters have demanded stricter immigration enforcement and accused undocumented migrants of taking jobs and placing pressure on public services. Some protests have escalated into violence, intimidation and looting, prompting several African countries to organise evacuations for their nationals.
The loss of migrant workers is expected to affect sectors that have long depended on foreign labour, including domestic services, logistics, manufacturing and textiles, where employers often struggle to recruit enough local workers.
Economists warn that the shrinking workforce could place additional pressure on South Africa’s fragile economy, which continues to face weak growth, high unemployment and persistent structural challenges.
While immigration remains a divisive political issue, many businesses argue that migrant workers play a vital role in sustaining industries facing labour shortages and maintaining economic activity.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has condemned attacks on migrants while urging that immigration laws be enforced by state authorities rather than vigilante groups. The government says it will continue deportation and repatriation efforts while seeking to ensure migration is managed in an orderly and lawful manner.