The first group of about 300 Ghanaian nationals departed Johannesburg's OR Tambo International Airport on Wednesday as Ghana launched a voluntary repatriation program for citizens wishing to leave South Africa amid rising anti-immigrant tensions.
Another group was expected to leave on Sunday.
Families and passengers gathered at the airport with luggage trolleys and suitcases while officials and police coordinated the departure process.
“I think in this case, it's less about Ghana trying to protect its own citizens or these 300 citizens. They can probably go elsewhere in the country or get help within South Africa. It's a symbolic move to try to send a message to their larger counterpart, South Africa, that this is politically unacceptable,” said Professor Lauren Landau, director of the African Center for Migration and Society at the University of the Witwatersrand.
Some of those repatriated were held at the Lindela Repatriation Center for immigration matters.
More than 800 Ghanaians registered for evacuation at the Ghana High Commission in Pretoria after several weeks of protests and growing apprehensions among foreign nationals.
Ghanaian officials said repatriation efforts were being carried out in coordination with South African authorities following concerns over the safety and well-being of the migrants.
The repatriation follows renewed protests over illegal immigration in parts of South Africa, where unemployment, crime and frustration over access to services have heightened tensions over undocumented migration.
South African officials have condemned violence against foreign nationals while acknowledging concerns over illegal immigration.