Bangladesh, June 15 -- South Africa is preparing for one of its largest recent migrant repatriation efforts, with authorities announcing plans to facilitate the return of thousands of Malawian nationals amid growing public pressure over illegal immigration. The development comes against the backdrop of mounting protests in several communities demanding stricter immigration controls and the removal of undocumented foreign nationals from the country.

Government officials say that more than 7,000 Malawian citizens are currently awaiting repatriation from Sherwood Park in Durban, a situation that has significantly increased logistical demands on both South African and Malawian authorities. According to members of South Africas Inter-Minister...