00:00Thousands of people took to the streets across parts of South Africa on Tuesday,
00:04calling for tougher action against illegal immigration.
00:08The protests coincide with an unofficial deadline set by anti-immigration activists
00:12for undocumented migrants to leave the country,
00:15prompting thousands to seek shelter in temporary camps or return home.
00:22Heavy security was deployed amid fears the demonstrations could turn violent.
00:27The protests come amid growing anti-immigrant sentiment,
00:31with campaigners claiming illegal migration is straining public services,
00:36taking jobs and contributing to crime.
00:38The South African government has rejected the activists' self-imposed deadline,
00:43stressing that only the authorities can enforce the country's immigration laws.
00:47Police say around 25,000 undocumented migrants have been repatriated so far,
00:52while another 3,500 have voluntarily returned to their home countries
00:57through programs coordinated by several African governments.
01:00Official figures show there are more than 3 million documented foreign nationals living in South Africa.
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