BMA dismisses claims US deportees slipped into South Africa

The Border Management Authority (BMA) says there is no evidence to support allegations that third-country nationals deported from the United States have been secretly released into South Africa through informal border crossings from Eswatini.

The response follows reports that three foreign nationals who were sent to the Kingdom of Eswatini under a bilateral arrangement with the US had allegedly crossed into South Africa illegally.

However, both the BMA and the Eswatini government have disputed the claims, with Mbabane confirming that the three individuals have left the kingdom and returned to their respective countries.

The individuals are citizens of Yemen, Belize and Laos.

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BMA responds to border security concerns

The BMA said it had noted allegations that deportees were re-entering South Africa through informal crossings and stressed that access control measures remain in place at designated land Ports of Entry along the Eswatini border.

“The BMA, supported by other law enforcement authorities, maintains a presence across the country’s Ports of Entry and continues to conduct border surveillance and enforcement operations to prevent and detect unlawful entry, including the smuggling and trafficking of persons,” the authority said.

It added that attempts to circumvent formal Ports of Entry were subject to detection and enforcement action.

The authority also clarified that passengers transiting through South African airports on international transfers do not enter the country simply by connecting between international flights.

Eswatini confirms deportees returned home

The Eswatini government said the three third-country nationals (TCNs), who were transferred from the US under a bilateral arrangement between Mbabane and Washington, had been repatriated.

The announcement followed reports alleging that the individuals had been secretly released into South Africa.

Acting government spokesperson Thabile Mdluli said the three departures were voluntary and followed established procedures, with the relevant authorities involved in facilitating their return.

Mdluli also revealed that the latest departures were not the first repatriations carried out under the agreement.

“This is however not the first group of TCNs to be repatriated, as the Kingdom has successfully facilitated the repatriation of ten TCNs since entering into an agreement with the government of the United States of America,” she said.

The government thanked the countries and authorities that had assisted in facilitating the individuals’ transit as they made their way home.

Rights and dignity of foreign nationals

Eswatini reiterated its commitment to protecting the rights, well-being and dignity of third-country nationals during their temporary stay in the kingdom.

“The Kingdom of Eswatini further reiterates its commitment to ensuring the rights, well-being and dignity of these Third-Country Nationals are respected and protected during their temporary stay in the Kingdom,” Mdluli said.

The government also expressed appreciation to the countries and relevant authorities that cooperated in ensuring the orderly return of the individuals.

Eswatini is currently chairing the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation.

Border security remains under scrutiny

The allegations have fuelled debate on social media about illegal immigration, regional border security and the handling of foreign nationals deported from the US.

The BMA maintains that South Africa’s border controls remain in place and that it has no evidence supporting claims that the three deportees entered the country illegally.

Eswatini, meanwhile, says the nationals from Yemen, Belize and Laos returned to their home countries through established procedures.

The two governments’ statements challenge the claims that the individuals were secretly released into South Africa, although the broader debate over border enforcement and regional cooperation continues.