JOHANNESBURG, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- South Africa's Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) said on Tuesday that it has raised concerns with the Kingdom of Eswatini over the recent deportation of convicted criminals by the United States to the neighboring country.

"Whilst respecting the sovereign decision of the Government of Eswatini, the Government of the Republic of South Africa is deeply concerned about the profile of these individuals and the potential adverse impact on South Africa's national security and immigration policy, given the geographical proximity between the two sisterly countries," according to a statement released by the department.

The remarks followed reports that individuals of various nationalities, convicted of serious crimes including murder and sexual assault, had recently been deported to Eswatini. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has reportedly indicated that further deportations to the country are planned.

According to the statement, DIRCO noted that Eswatini and the United States had indicated that they would work together with the International Organisation for Migration to "facilitate the transit of these inmates to their countries of origin." However, the countries of origin of these deportees are unlikely to receive them. ■