Ramaphosa unveils major immigration crackdown as South Africa confronts illegal migration crisis

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has unveiled a wide-ranging plan to tighten immigration controls, strengthen border security and accelerate deportations, as growing public concern over illegal migration continues to fuel tensions across the country.

Addressing the nation on Sunday evening, Ramaphosa acknowledged that many South Africans are increasingly worried about the impact of undocumented migration on jobs, public services, safety and the rule of law. He said these concerns were being voiced in communities, workplaces, schools, clinics and across social media platforms.

The president’s address comes amid heightened anxiety following calls by anti-immigrant groups demanding that undocumented foreigners leave South Africa by June 30, a campaign that has intensified fears within migrant communities.

While recognising the country’s economic hardships, Ramaphosa stressed that illegal immigration should not be blamed for all of South Africa’s challenges. He pointed instead to the need for stronger economic growth, increased investment, industrial development and large-scale job creation.

He reiterated that everyone living, working or operating a business in South Africa should do so legally, while admitting that weaknesses in migration management, poor enforcement and corruption had undermined public confidence in the system. The government, he said, accepts responsibility for these shortcomings and is moving to address them decisively.

Ramaphosa also issued a firm warning against vigilante action and xenophobic attacks, insisting that only authorised government officials have the authority to enforce immigration laws. He condemned attempts by individuals or groups to take matters into their own hands by demanding proof of nationality from people in public spaces.

The president said authorities would act against those exploiting public concerns over illegal immigration for political, personal or criminal gain. He also cautioned against misinformation campaigns targeting foreign nationals and expressed concern over incidents involving tribal and ethnic hostility, including the recent killing of a Tsonga teenager.

As part of the government’s response, Cabinet has adopted a Comprehensive Approach for Migration Management, which will be implemented by the Department of Home Affairs, the Border Management Authority and the South African Police Service. The agencies will intensify efforts to identify and deport undocumented migrants residing illegally in the country.

Highlighting the scale of existing enforcement operations, Ramaphosa revealed that more than 450,000 attempted illegal border crossings were intercepted over the past year. Dedicated immigration courts will also be established to speed up deportation processes.

The government is further expanding workplace enforcement, with the Department of Employment and Labour planning to recruit 10,000 inspectors during the current financial year. Employers found exploiting undocumented workers will face tougher penalties, including the possibility of imprisonment rather than simply paying fines.

Ramaphosa announced additional reforms aimed at strengthening national security and identity management. These include the creation of an Intelligent Population Register containing biometric data for every person in the country and the gradual introduction of a Digital ID system. South Africa’s green identity books will also be phased out because of concerns they have been exploited by criminals and undocumented migrants.

Refugee reception centres will gradually be relocated to border areas, beginning with the Tshwane facility, in an effort to improve the efficiency and integrity of the asylum process. Meanwhile, new regulations will be introduced to address the misuse of Traffic Registration Numbers as alternative forms of identification.

The president also confirmed that proposed legislation would allow the government to introduce quotas on the employment of foreign nationals in specific sectors of the economy.

Despite the tougher stance, Ramaphosa emphasised that migration is a continental and global challenge that cannot be solved through enforcement alone. He said lasting solutions require peace, economic development and greater opportunities across Africa, adding that special envoys would be sent to several African countries to explain South Africa’s new measures.

Concluding his address, Ramaphosa called for unity and adherence to constitutional values, arguing that South Africa can secure its borders and enforce its laws while still respecting human dignity and the spirit of Ubuntu.