They came to Malawi hoping to stay longer, but 50 Ethiopian nationals have now been shown the way out with a flight home.
Immigration spokesperson Inspector Pasqually Zulu said the 50 were repatriated through Kamuzu International Airport (KIA) on Wednesday, as authorities intensify efforts to manage stranded migrants and ease pressure on correctional facilities.
The group received financial assistance from the European Union (EU), while the International Organization for Migration (IOM) provided logistical support through its migrant assistance programmes.
According to Zulu, the repatriation was one of the largest such exercises undertaken by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services (DICS) this year.
He said the exercise was part of ongoing efforts to facilitate the safe, orderly and dignified return of stranded migrants to their countries of origin.
The department said the initiative would also help decongest correctional facilities and reduce the burden on government resources.
Zulu said the department would continue working with relevant authorities and development partners to identify, assist and repatriate stranded migrants.
The department said the process would continue to follow applicable laws, policies and established migration management procedures.
