More than 7,000 Malawian nationals remain stranded at Sherwood Hall in Durban as they await repatriation to their home country, with growing frustration over transport delays erupting into unrest on Wednesday.
Police were forced to deploy stun grenades to disperse and control a riotous crowd after tensions boiled over at the temporary holding site.
The migrants are currently being processed through the Virtual Priority Court, a system established to fast-track immigration-related matters and facilitate their return to Malawi.
The situation at Sherwood Hall has drawn national attention amid increasing tensions over migration and a surge in anti-illegal immigration protests across South Africa.
On Wednesday, President Cyril Ramaphosa met with religious leaders at the Union Buildings to discuss migration and the government's response to the issue.
Faith leaders attending the meeting welcomed government's recently announced five-step migration plan, which aims to strengthen border management, improve immigration systems and address concerns around undocumented migration.
They also called for stricter law enforcement measures and urged authorities to prioritise resolving the situation unfolding in Durban.
The meeting further underscored the importance of the upcoming National Dialogue, with participants emphasising the need for constructive engagement on issues affecting social cohesion, migration and economic inclusion.
As authorities continue processing the thousands of migrants at Sherwood Hall, uncertainty remains over when all those seeking repatriation will be able to return home.