A deadline set by protesters for all immigrants to leave South Africa passed on Tuesday amid escalating xenophobic tensions across the country. In response to growing hostility, thousands of migrants from other African nations have either fled their homes or taken refuge in makeshift camps.

The unrest stems from widespread grievances among South Africans who accuse foreign workers—particularly from Zimbabwe and Mozambique—of undercutting wages and straining public resources. Many citizens express frustration over long waits for hospital services, competition for spaces in public schools, and limited job opportunities, issues that have been linked in public discourse to the presence of undocumented immigrants.

“South Africans are tired of standing in long queues in hospitals, competing for spaces in public schools with illegal immigrants, competing for jobs with foreign nationals,” said campaigner Musa Hlongwa, who has been involved in organizing the protests. He also cited concerns about crime, including allegations that some Nigerian migrants are involved in drug trafficking.

South Africa faces one of the highest unemployment rates globally, a factor that analysts say exacerbates tensions between local populations and migrant communities. While the government has condemned xenophobic violence, many critics argue that official responses have been insufficient to address both the immediate security risks and the underlying economic frustrations fueling the unrest.

The situation remains volatile as authorities seek to balance enforcement of immigration laws with efforts to prevent further violence and protect vulnerable populations. Human rights groups have called for interventions that promote social cohesion and respect for migrants’ rights in the face of increasing hostility.