The Bangladesh High Commission in Pretoria has warned expatriate Bangladeshis in South Africa amid an anti-immigration movement in the country.
In a statement on Saturday, the high commission said it has been discussing the issue with ambassadors and high commissioners from Asia, Africa and other regions, and has been raising it with South Africa’s central and provincial governments as pressure grows to remove foreign nationals staying illegally.
The statement said reports in South African media about nine Bangladeshi nationals being detained at Johannesburg airport on June 10 for allegedly travelling illegally and being arrested had triggered widespread discussion.
It added that 20 more Bangladeshi nationals were detained in the last two days after arriving in South Africa illegally and were forced to leave the country.
The high commission said such conduct by a few Bangladeshis at a critical time was highly undesirable. It added that Bangladeshi citizens must travel to other countries, live there, or earn a livelihood only through legal channels.
It said illegal travel, stay, and work by some citizens are making it increasingly difficult for Bangladeshi passports to obtain visas for many countries. The mission said strict discipline and compliance with law are needed to address the situation.
The Bangladesh High Commission has already sought the cooperation of South African police and administration to protect Bangladeshi nationals and their businesses from ongoing violence in the country.
It also urged Bangladeshis to keep their documents updated, remain cautious and safe, maintain good relations with the local South African community, and stay in contact with the high commission in case of urgent need.
