The South African government has asked Nigeria, Malawi and Ethiopia to reimburse it for the money spent deporting and repatriating their citizens from the country.
South Africa says it has spent about R292 million on the repatriation and deportation of foreign nationals amid a crackdown on undocumented migrants.
According to South African authorities, the money was used for transportation, temporary accommodation, security and other logistics involved in returning migrants to their countries.
The South African Department of Home Affairs said it had formally communicated the reimbursement request to the affected countries through diplomatic channels.
The request comes as South Africa continues to intensify its efforts to deal with undocumented immigration.
Authorities said tens of thousands of foreign nationals have passed through the country's deportation and repatriation processes since the crackdown began.
Nigeria is among the countries affected, with a significant number of Nigerians living and working in South Africa.
The development is coming at a sensitive time in relations between Nigeria and South Africa, following concerns over attacks and discrimination against Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa.
Nigeria has previously evacuated some of its citizens from South Africa following reported xenophobic attacks and security concerns.
South African authorities, however, have maintained that the current enforcement exercise is targeted at illegal immigration and undocumented migrants, rather than foreigners generally.
The South African government has also faced pressure from groups demanding tougher action against undocumented migrants, citing unemployment, crime and pressure on public services.
The latest demand for reimbursement is now expected to attract the attention of the Nigerian government as both countries continue diplomatic discussions over the treatment of their citizens.
It remains unclear whether Nigeria will accept South Africa's demand to reimburse the deportation and repatriation expenses.
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