On Tuesday, August 5, 2025, South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has expressed serious concern over the deportation of convicted criminals by the United States to neighbouring Eswatini, citing potential risks to national security.
While acknowledging Eswatini’s sovereign right to make such decisions, DIRCO warned that the arrival of individuals convicted of serious crimes—including murder and sexual assault—could have adverse implications for South Africa, given the countries’ close geographical ties.
The concerns come amid reports that more deportations are planned by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Although Eswatini and the United States have pledged to work with the International Organisation for Migration to facilitate the return of the deportees to their countries of origin, DIRCO noted that these countries are unlikely to accept them. The uncertainty surrounding the final destinations of these individuals has fuelled anxiety in South Africa over potential cross-border security and immigration challenges.