South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has reiterated his government’s commitment to lawful migration management, stressing that violence, intimidation, xenophobia and the spread of misinformation have no place in the country.
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Addressing the nation on Sunday, Ramaphosa outlined actions and behaviours that he said are unacceptable, including unauthorised individuals demanding documentation or proof of nationality, blocking access to public services, and acts of violence against foreign nationals.
The President also condemned racism, sexism, xenophobia, Afrophobia and other forms of intolerance, as well as the spread of misinformation, incitement and fake news on social media.
According to Ramaphosa, employers who exploit undocumented workers are equally engaging in conduct that cannot be accepted.
“Only authorised law enforcement agencies may act against violations of the law,” the President said, adding that “all people must be treated with dignity and respect,” regardless of their nationality or immigration status.
Ramaphosa also announced the adoption of a Comprehensive Approach for Migration Management aimed at strengthening border security, enforcing immigration laws, tackling corruption and closing policy loopholes as part of efforts to address illegal immigration in South Africa.
The President said the plan was approved by Cabinet last week and endorsed by the President’s Coordinating Council, which comprises premiers, local government representatives and traditional leaders.
“As government our objective is clear. We want a South Africa where every person who enters the country does so lawfully; a South Africa where immigration laws are respected and enforced; a South Africa where businesses compete fairly; a South Africa where communities feel safe and secure, and a South Africa that remains true to its constitutional values and its commitment to human dignity,” he said.
According to Ramaphosa, the strategy is built on five pillars: cracking down on violations of immigration and labour laws, preventing illegal entry into the country, rooting out corruption in the immigration system, strengthening immigration laws and policies, and enhancing cooperation with other countries to address migration challenges across the region and continent.
On enforcement, the President said government agencies would intensify efforts to identify and deport undocumented foreign nationals residing illegally in the country.
“The Department of Home Affairs, the Border Management Authority, South African Police Service and other law enforcement agencies have been and will intensify the process of identifying and deporting undocumented foreign nationals residing illegally in South Africa,” he said.
Highlighting progress already made, Ramaphosa disclosed that “in the past year alone, the BMA managed to intercept and stop over 450,000 people who were attempting to enter South Africa illegally.”
He also announced plans to establish dedicated immigration courts to accelerate deportation processes involving undocumented migrants.
The President said the second pillar of the strategy focuses on strengthening border management and ensuring authorities know who enters the country, why they are entering and how long they are permitted to stay.
“Secure borders are not a sign of hostility towards other countries. They are a fundamental requirement of a sovereign and well-governed State,” Ramaphosa said.
He added that government would continue investing in modern technology, infrastructure and personnel to secure borders while facilitating legitimate trade, travel and economic activity.
As part of the measures, the government will begin a phased relocation of refugee reception centres to border posts, starting with the Tshwane centre later this year.
Ramaphosa said the third pillar centres on eliminating corruption and improving the efficiency of the immigration system through technology-driven reforms.
“We are continuing the crackdown on corruption and inefficiencies in the Department of Home Affairs.
“We must recognise that illegal immigration is often enabled by corruption. Officials who sell documents, facilitate unlawful entry or abuse public office for personal gain betray the trust of the South African people. We will pursue these cases relentlessly.”
According to the President, officials implicated in such offences are already facing disciplinary and criminal action.
“Those responsible are facing dismissal, criminal prosecution and the full consequences of the law,” he said.
Ramaphosa also cited the establishment of an Intelligent Population Register containing biometric data for every person in the country, describing it as a key step towards the introduction of a Digital ID system.
He said efforts to phase out the green ID book would continue, noting that the document remains vulnerable to identity theft and abuse.
The Department of Home Affairs, he said, would soon announce a deadline after which the green ID book would no longer be recognised.
The President further revealed that the move would help curb abuse of the Traffic Registration Number, which foreign nationals require to register or purchase vehicles.
“The Department of Transport will issue new regulations to align with the identification laws of our country within the next three months,” he said.
Addressing legislative reforms, Ramaphosa acknowledged weaknesses in South Africa’s immigration framework.
“The laws that regulate immigration in South Africa are fragmented and often contradictory. They allow legal loopholes that are exploited by undocumented migrants. We are addressing these loopholes,” he said.
On regional cooperation, the President stressed the need for African countries to work together to tackle the root causes of migration.
“We need to address the factors that drive migration on our continent and elsewhere,” Ramaphosa said.
He added that South Africa would continue collaborating with neighbouring countries and other African nations to create conditions where migration is driven by choice rather than necessity.
“As part of this effort, I will be sending envoys to a number of sister African countries to outline the measures that we are announcing this evening,” he said.
Ramaphosa assured citizens that Cabinet would continue monitoring implementation of the migration strategy and regularly review progress on the measures announced.
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