South African immigration authorities have said only 10 out of about 300 Ghanaians who presented themselves for evacuation were found to be residing legally in the country, raising concerns over potential enforcement action as investigations continue.

Home Affairs Immigration and Law Enforcement head Stephen van Neel said officials identified widespread immigration irregularities among the group.

“Of the 300 individuals that were on that list, we only found 10 of them to be legal in the country,” he told reporters. “We obviously have to make sure that certain sanctions are enforced.”

The comments come as the first batch of Ghanaian evacuees departed South Africa on Wednesday under a government-coordinated repatriation exercise.

Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Benjamin Quashie, said more than 800 Ghanaians had registered for voluntary return amid growing concerns over safety and xenophobic tensions.

He said many of those leaving were not necessarily direct victims of attacks but were acting out of fear for their personal security.

“The responsibility of any government is towards its citizens,” he said. “While we have excellent relations with South Africa, we had no option but to ensure that our citizens are safe.”

Ghana’s Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa announced the evacuation exercise on 18 May, saying it began on 25 May with support from Ghana’s diplomatic mission in South Africa.

The government has pledged transport assistance for returnees to their destinations in Ghana, along with reintegration support, psychosocial care and inclusion in a database for job and start-up opportunities.

The first group of evacuees arrived in Accra on Wednesday, (27 May), where they were received by a government delegation led by Chief of Staff Julius Debrah and the Foreign Minister.

Debrah urged the returnees to remain hopeful despite the circumstances that led to their evacuation.

“Sometimes God has different ways of opening new doors for us,” he said. “As a nation, we shall always stand by our people, no matter where you find yourself.”

The evacuation exercise follows renewed concerns over xenophobic tensions and safety conditions affecting foreign nationals in parts of South Africa.