"We came back with nothing," said Assani, among some 15 people who have returned to the village in Salima district, 120 kilometres (75 miles) east of the capital Lilongwe.
"From this far-flung corner of Europe on the Mediterranean Sea, one can more clearly perceive the momentous challenge that the phenomenon of migration poses to European societies."
The government says more than 12,000 immigrants have been deported or repatriated since the wave of protests began earlier this year.
One of Africa's largest economies, South Africa has long attracted migrant workers from across the continent, both legally and illegally.
Pope Leo XIV heads to Spain on Saturday for a visit focused on immigration and social justice at a politically turbulent time for Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez.
Four illegal immigrants arrested in Meru after a night raid uncovered an unlicensed bakery operating under poor hygiene conditions.