A plane carrying 300 Ghanaian nationals evacuated from South Africa due to anti-immigration protests has landed in Accra. The group included women and children, arriving on Wednesday.

Ghana’s Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa greeted them at the airport, stating, “Wherever Ghanaians are, we will make sure you are protected.” The evacuation is described as a voluntary repatriation process.

South African authorities have compiled a list of about 800 people who wish to leave, as protesters demand tighter controls on “undocumented migrants,” blaming them for crime and unemployment.

South Africa’s Border Management Authority said about 90% of Wednesday’s returnees were undocumented, with most having overstayed visas by more than 30 days.

Ghana’s High Commissioner Benjamin Quashie criticized South African immigration backlogs. Migrant rights groups say migrants are being scapegoated for economic woes, including over 30% unemployment.

Returnee Victor Atsu Togbe thanked the Ghanaian government for “taking us out of the lion’s den.” South African authorities have condemned xenophobic attacks and pledged to crack down.

Source: www.aljazeera.com