Ghana and South Africa are coordinating the voluntary return of Ghanaian nationals after hundreds boarded a repatriation flight from Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport following recent anti-immigrant protests, according to Reuters.

The first group included about 300 people, including women and children, while South African and Ghanaian authorities have been working through a list of hundreds more who have indicated they want to leave.

Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Benjamin Quashie, said the process was aimed at easing tensions while maintaining diplomatic ties between the two countries. AP also reported that more than 800 Ghanaians had registered with Ghana’s High Commission in Pretoria for evacuation.

The departures follow weeks of protests over illegal immigration in South Africa, where unemployment, crime concerns and pressure on public services have intensified migration debates. South African authorities have condemned violence against foreign nationals while acknowledging concerns over undocumented migration.

The United Nations has also condemned reported attacks targeting Ghanaian and other African nationals, saying violence and vigilantism have no place in a democratic society governed by the rule of law.

South African officials said immigration enforcement would continue, while Ghanaian officials framed the repatriation as a voluntary process for citizens who no longer feel safe.