Home Affairs reveals R552 million spent on detaining and deporting illegal foreigners

South Africa's Department of Home Affairs spent R552 million over the past three years on detaining and deporting illegal foreigners. Detention costs totaled R309.4 million, with R85.8 million in 2023/24, R103 million in 2024/25, and R119.8 million in 2025/26. Deportation costs were R242.7 million, broken down as R67.6 million (2023/24), R101.7 million (2024/25), and R73.3 million (2025/26). Minister Leon Schreiber disclosed the figures in response to parliamentary questions from Freedom Front MP Philip Staden.