With a self imposed deadline for undocumented foreigners to leave South Africa just days away, the country’s biggest unions are telling workers: stay on the job, or risk losing it.

South Africa’s biggest labour unions are urging workers to steer clear of the anti immigrant protests gripping the country, warning there could be serious consequences for anyone who skips work to join in, cbinews.tv reports.

Tensions are running high ahead of a June 30 deadline set by anti immigrant groups, who’ve demanded that all undocumented foreigners leave the country. After weeks of sometimes violent xenophobic attacks, many are bracing for more protests and possible civil unrest.

Four major unions, including COSATU which represents around 2 million people, put out a joint statement on Wednesday making it clear: workers won’t be protected if they don’t show up on June 30.

“We urge workers to report for duty and not place their employment at risk,” they said.

The unions backed President Cyril Ramaphosa’s comments from Tuesday, where he warned against scapegoating migrants for South Africa’s problems.

“Removing foreign nationals from workplaces, communities or public spaces will not reopen factories, repair municipalities, strengthen public healthcare or create sustainable jobs,” said COSATU, FEDUSA, SAFTU and NACTU.

As Africa’s largest economy, South Africa has long drawn foreign workers looking for opportunities. But in recent months, some politicians have blamed migrants for the country’s widespread poverty and crime.

Meanwhile, things are already flaring up. South African media reported on Wednesday that police clashed with thousands of Malawians waiting to be repatriated in the coastal city of Durban. According to newsmen, officers fired stun grenades and teargas after the crowd became agitated.

Earlier this week, Malawi said around 10,000 of its nationals were in distress and trying to get home from South Africa. The government is organising buses, but it’s also appealed for public donations to help cover the cost.

“Government is resolute in its commitment to bring home every Malawian who wishes to return from South Africa,” it said. “However… the scale and urgency of the operation have created unprecedented financial, logistical, and humanitarian demands.”

Other countries, including Ghana, Nigeria and Mozambique, have also started repatriating citizens over safety concerns, cbinews.tv notes.

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