More than 1,300 Mozambicans repatriated from South Africa

Mozambique has repatriated 1,363 citizens from South Africa following anti-immigrant violence.

"Since the start of the xenophobic attacks, 1,363 citizens have been repatriated, with 625 arriving in the country between July 1 and 4. The government is working to guarantee the continuity of our fellow citizens' work, and their professions are being mapped," Council of Ministers spokesperson Inocêncio Impissa told journalists in Maputo.

Mozambique has also received at least 6,156 Malawian citizens in transit, who were subsequently transported to Tete Province in central Mozambique, on the border with Malawi.

The government says it is working on a certification process for the repatriated citizens to facilitate their employment abroad under labour mobility memorandums with countries such as Portugal and the United Arab Emirates.

Mozambican President Daniel Chapo recently said the government was considering integrating victims of the anti-immigrant violence into ongoing megaprojects in the country, as well as other job opportunities abroad under international cooperation agreements, to address employment challenges.

Mozambique has around 300,000 citizens residing in South Africa. The presidency said in a statement that thousands have already returned to the country due to the violence.

At least 283 Mozambicans were assaulted, had their homes burned, and had their property vandalized in the latest wave of anti-immigrant attacks in South Africa.

With input from wires.