JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA — June 15, 2026
Fresh concerns are emerging among migrant communities in South Africa after a leading private education provider requested updated immigration documents from foreign learners as part of a compliance verification exercise.
Curro Holdings, one of South Africa’s largest private school operators, has directed parents and guardians of foreign-national students to submit valid immigration documentation under what it described as a “Termly Foreign Learner Compliance Audit.”
According to a notice issued to parents, the exercise is intended to ensure that school records comply with regulations established by South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs regarding foreign nationals residing and studying in the country.
Affected learners have been asked to provide valid study visas, asylum seeker permits, refugee permits, permanent residence documents, or diplomatic accreditation where applicable.
The development has attracted widespread attention due to longstanding concerns over xenophobia and discrimination against foreign nationals in South Africa, particularly migrants from other African countries, including Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Malawi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
While Curro Holdings maintains that the audit is a routine compliance exercise and is not targeted at any specific nationality, some migrant communities have expressed anxiety over increased scrutiny amid growing anti-foreigner sentiment in parts of the country.
The issue comes at a time when South Africa continues to grapple with debates surrounding immigration, employment, and social services, with foreign nationals often finding themselves at the centre of public and political discussions.
Reports of recent unrest involving migrant communities have further heightened tensions, prompting concerns about the safety and welfare of foreign residents and their families.
Many Nigerians living in South Africa have historically enrolled their children in private institutions such as Curro because of their reputation for quality education, technology-driven learning, and international academic standards.
The latest documentation request has therefore generated significant discussion among expatriate families, some of whom fear it could signal stricter immigration enforcement measures affecting foreign students.
Immigration experts, however, note that educational institutions are often required to maintain up-to-date records of international students to comply with national regulations.
Despite these assurances, rights advocates continue to urge authorities and institutions to ensure that compliance measures do not lead to discrimination, exclusion, or unfair treatment of migrant communities.
The development has once again brought attention to broader concerns about xenophobia in South Africa and the challenges faced by foreign nationals seeking education, employment, and economic opportunities in the country.
SUNTV Global Channel reports that migrant organisations and community leaders are closely monitoring the situation while calling for fairness, transparency, and the protection of the rights of all learners regardless of nationality.
