Bangladeshi Businesses Hit by Anti-Immigrant Protests

Bangladeshi expatriates in South Africa are facing severe security risks and financial losses as anti-immigrant protests sweep the country. Since June 30, demonstrations targeting undocumented migrants have forced many Bangladeshi-owned shops to close or operate under limited hours. While the unrest primarily focuses on migrants from neighboring African nations accused of taking local jobs, the 100,000-strong Bangladeshi community—mostly small business owners—is suffering from looting and widespread fear.

In Durban, shop owners have reported daily losses of up to Tk80,000 due to forced closures. Rural areas are particularly vulnerable, with frequent reports of shops being looted. Many expatriates have preemptively moved their stock to safer locations to avoid total loss. The climate of fear is intensified by reports of xenophobic violence involving other foreign nationals, leading many to limit their movements entirely.

In response, the Bangladesh High Commission in Pretoria has established an emergency hotline and issued a security advisory urging citizens to stay vigilant. The mission is currently coordinating with local South African police to enhance the safety of Bangladeshi nationals during this period of instability.