Israel deports fifth batch of South Sudanese migrants

Israel deported 150 South Sudanese illegal migrants on Thursday as the Jewish state gets rid of 60,000 illegal African migrants.

The deportees landed at Juba international airport, where they were received by South Sudan’s Relief and Rehabilitation Commission (SSRRHC).

“They can come and also start cultivating,” Javana Luka, the deputy chairperson of SSRRC, said shortly after receiving the returnees.

The fifth batch brings the number of South Sudanese deported to 635 since the crackdown started in mid-June.

There were 700 South Sudanese migrants in Israel, according to Javana, and the last batch is expected next week.

Although they appeared physically fit, some of the returnees broke down in tears of joy, saying they were relieved from harassments they experienced since the commencement of forced deportation nearly four weeks ago.

Most of the previous deported families went to their relatives and the latest group was taken to a transit camp at the outskirts of Juba town.

South Sudan faces a challenge of providing basic services to its citizens.

The migrants said they were in good living conditions before the Israeli government decided to deport them.