India, July 1 -- Thousands of demonstrators gathered in parts of South Africa to rally against illegal immigration on Tuesday, which some protest groups set as a deadline for the departure of all illegal migrants from the country.

South African groups are planning to blame illegal immigrants for causing unemployment among South Africans by accepting low wages, as well as high levels of crime and other problems.

The Tuesday deadline set by the groups for migrants to leave was not recognised by South Africa's Government, which has maintained that only authorities can enforce immigration laws. The most prominent groups opposing illegal immigration include March and March, Operation Dudula and Progressive Forces.

President Cyril Ramaphosa ...