More than 160,000 foreign nationals left South Africa over June and July following widespread anti-immigrant unrest, according to an AFP tally based on figures from the repatriating governments.

South Africa has seen weeks of nationwide protests against undocumented foreigners.

As anti-migrant groups pressed their demand for immigrants to leave by June 30, citizens of other African countries flocked to consulates and community halls seeking transport home.

The largest numbers to leave were from Zimbabwe and Malawi but hundreds more were from countries including Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Mozambique, Nigeria and Uganda.

Releasing updated figures on Tuesday, Zimbabwe’s cabinet said 108,366 of its people had come home as of July 18, a majority of them self-repatriating.

Malawi announced on Monday that more than 46,890 citizens had returned since early June, with the government providing 699 buses for the long journey home.

Nearly 2,000 Mozambicans also returned, according to South African government figures.

Some crossed the border with help from their government after two Mozambican nationals were killed at the end of May in the southern town of Mossel Bay. Authorities also confirmed the deaths of an Ethiopian and a Malawian in “anti-foreigner sentiment.”

Nigeria has repatriated around 1,490 nationals, while Ghana has flown home at least 926, according to government figures.

South Africa has long been a destination for documented and undocumented African workers searching for work.

Zimbabwe – 108,366
Malawi – 46, 890
Mozambique – 2,000
Nigeria – 1,490
Ghana – 926

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