South Africa: Government Unveils Comprehensive Plan to Tackle Illegal Immigration

Lead

President Cyril Ramaphosa has unveiled a comprehensive strategy to manage migration in South Africa, responding to growing public concern over illegal immigration and anti-foreigner protests. The plan, endorsed by Cabinet and the President's Coordinating Council, includes tougher criminal penalties for employers who hire undocumented workers, dedicated immigration courts, a biometric population register, and the phased relocation of refugee reception centres to border posts.

Since the beginning of 2026, over 40,000 illegal foreign nationals have been arrested, with more than 7,400 arrested in the past month alone, according to the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Migration. The government has also repatriated 2,745 foreign nationals since the President's address to the nation.

Coverage Comparison

AllAfrica's reports on the government's migration plan focus on different aspects, ranging from legislative measures to diplomatic initiatives. One report highlights the Employment Services Amendment Bill, which aims to criminalize the hiring of undocumented foreign nationals. Another focuses on the implementation plan developed by the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Migration, while others detail the President's announcements on border security, refugee centre relocation, and the establishment of a biometric register. The coverage also includes updates on enforcement actions, such as arrests and repatriations, and the government's efforts to engage with international partners and local stakeholders.

The reports are largely consistent in their portrayal of the government's approach, emphasizing a crackdown on illegal immigration while also acknowledging the need for a coordinated and humane response. Some reports use more active language, such as "crackdown" and "tackle," while others adopt a more neutral tone, focusing on the details of the plan.

Key Claims

• The Employment Services Amendment Bill has been introduced to the National Assembly, proposing criminal charges, including jail time, for employers who hire undocumented foreign nationals. The sectors most affected are expected to include agriculture, construction, hospitality, and the gig economy.
• The Inter-Ministerial Committee on Migration has developed an implementation plan to strengthen migration management, focusing on border infrastructure, social services, and asylum procedures. The committee will conduct oversight visits and engage with stakeholders, including traditional and Khoi-San leaders.
• President Ramaphosa announced a phased relocation of refugee reception centres to border posts, starting with the Tshwane centre this year, to process asylum applications more efficiently and securely.
• The government has adopted a Comprehensive Approach for Migration Management, built on five pillars: cracking down on law violations, preventing illegal entry, stamping out corruption, strengthening laws, and working with other countries. Dedicated immigration courts will be established to speed up deportations.
• An Intelligent Population Register will be created, containing biometric data for every person in South Africa, laying the foundation for a Digital ID system. The green barcoded identity book will be phased out.
• South Africa will dispatch envoys to African countries and other parts of the world to secure greater cooperation on migration.
• The Border Management Authority, established in 2023, continues to strengthen border control, intercepting over 450,000 people attempting to enter South Africa illegally in the past year.

Perspectives

Government's Approach

The government, led by President Ramaphosa, frames its strategy as a balanced response that aims to end illegal immigration while upholding constitutional values and human dignity. Officials emphasize the need to combat corruption in the immigration system, enforce laws, and work with other countries. As President Ramaphosa stated, "We must not allow ourselves to turn against foreign nationals or each other. We must all respect the Constitution, uphold the basic human rights."

Employers' Responsibility

Deputy Minister of Labour and Employment Jomo Sibiya highlights the role of employers in creating demand for undocumented workers. "Employers are the ones creating demand for illegal immigrants who are working in our country," he said, arguing that targeting employers will help stop the demand for illegal labour.

Opposition Parties

Opposition parties have criticized the government's handling of crime, unemployment, and illegal immigration. During the debate on the Presidency budget, the DA's parliamentary leader George Michalakis said the criminal justice system was failing, while the EFF's Nazier Paulsen accused President Ramaphosa of weak leadership.