Pretoria says it spent nearly $18 million accommodating, transporting and repatriating tens of thousands of migrants as authorities intensify a crackdown on illegal immigration.

South Africa has asked several African countries, including Nigeria, Malawi and Ethiopia, to reimburse the costs incurred in repatriating tens of thousands of their citizens following an intensified crackdown on illegal immigration.

The South African Department of Home Affairs said the government spent nearly $18 million on temporary accommodation, transportation, repatriation centres and other logistical arrangements linked to the large-scale movement of migrants out of the country.

Officials described the expenditure as an unexpected financial burden, saying various government agencies were now seeking reimbursement from the countries whose nationals were repatriated.

Government figures indicate that 82,875 people have either been deported or voluntarily returned to their countries since the enforcement campaign began. Authorities also said nearly 60,000 undocumented migrants have been arrested during the operation.

The crackdown comes against the backdrop of growing public anger over illegal immigration in South Africa. Anti-immigrant groups have repeatedly accused undocumented foreigners of taking jobs, contributing to crime and putting additional pressure on already stretched public services.

The situation has occasionally spilled into unrest, with foreign-owned businesses and migrant communities becoming targets of hostility. The developments have also raised diplomatic concerns among African countries whose citizens live and work in South Africa.

South African authorities, however, have defended the enforcement drive, arguing that immigration laws must be respected and that undocumented migration places significant demands on the country's security, social and administrative systems.

The latest reimbursement request could add another layer of tension to Pretoria's relations with other African governments, particularly Nigeria, which has a large community of citizens living and working in South Africa.

South Africa and Nigeria have previously experienced diplomatic strains over attacks on foreign nationals and concerns about the treatment of citizens travelling or residing in each other's countries. Despite these tensions, both governments have maintained that their bilateral relationship remains important to the continent.

The South African government is expected to continue its immigration enforcement efforts as it seeks to curb irregular migration and recover some of the public funds spent managing the consequences of the crackdown.