South Africa started processing undocumented migrants at a temporary repatriation centre in Musina, bordering Zimbabwe, in July 2026.This move comes after weeks of anti-migrant rhetoric and xenophobic violence.

The facility has sparked debates about whether the country is shifting towards camp-based migration management, which would mark a change from its post-apartheid refugee policy.South Africa has traditionally allowed refugees and asylum seekers to live in urban areas rather than confining them to camps.As of 2025, over 160,000 refugees resided in the country, mainly from Zimbabwe, Malawi, Congo, and Burundi.

Legal experts note that while refugees are protected under international law, the 1951 Refugee Convention and African agreements have gaps, especially regarding climate-driven displacement.Asylum seekers face lengthy legal processes, with some waiting up to a decade for decisions.Recent court rulings have complicated their rights, leading to questions about whether camps could offer better protection or infringe on freedoms.The Musina centre, not a UNHCR-run facility, signals potential policy shifts but raises concerns about funding cuts and community tensions.