MAPUTO, June 5 (Xinhua) -- Mozambique has received 545 citizens fleeing recent violence against foreigners in South Africa through the Ressano Garcia border post, the country's main crossing point with its southern neighbor, authorities said on Thursday.
Speaking at a press briefing in Maputo, Health Minister Ussene Isse said all returnees have received assistance upon arrival, including migration registration, health screening, food support and transportation to their destinations.
Mozambique's National Institute for Disaster Risk Management and Reduction (INGD) has coordinated the humanitarian response at the border, providing food, medical assistance, transport and reintegration support to affected families.
INGD Vice President Belem Monteiro said authorities have prepared food packages to support returning families as they resettle in their communities.
The Mozambican government said it would continue to support the safe and dignified return and reintegration of its citizens while monitoring developments through its diplomatic representatives in South Africa.
The latest wave of anti-immigration violence has raised concerns across southern Africa, where migrant workers frequently cross borders in search of employment opportunities. Mozambique and South Africa maintain longstanding economic ties, with a large number of Mozambicans living and working in South Africa.
