LUSAKA, June 3 (Xinhua) -- Zambia has successfully repatriated 40 citizens from South Africa amid anti-immigration tensions, according to a statement released Wednesday.
The Zambia South Africa Association (ZASA), an association of Zambians living in South Africa, said in a statement that the repatriation process began on May 23, and the returnees arrived safely in Zambia on May 25.
"The repatriation was undertaken in response to concerns arising from recent demonstrations against foreign nationals in certain parts of South Africa," the ZASA said.
It noted that the association has continued to engage with Zambian communities across South Africa to assess the prevailing situation and provide regular updates to the embassy.
The association is also compiling a database of Zambian nationals who may require assistance with documentation, as well as those who have expressed interest in voluntarily returning to Zambia, according to the statement.
Anti-immigration tensions have flared in some parts of South Africa recently, with authorities condemning the violence against foreign nationals. ■
