South Africa Unveils Plan to Curb Illegal Immigration

With pressure mounting on the streets and online, President Cyril Ramaphosa has gone on national address to unveil a sweeping set of steps aimed at tightening South Africa’s grip on illegal migration, as anti-foreigner marches grow and anger over stubbornly high unemployment boils over.

Ramaphosa said the package will target multiple pressure points in the system: tougher enforcement against employers who hire undocumented migrants; dedicated immigration courts designed to accelerate deportation processes; reinforced border security; the creation of a biometric population register; and stiffer penalties for corruption inside the immigration system. He also cautioned South Africans against taking the law into their own hands in the wake of anti-migrant protests, noting that attacks have already driven foreign nationals to flee or return to their home countries.

The announcement comes as anti-migrant groups intensify their campaign demanding that undocumented migrants leave the country, setting June 30 as a deadline. Ramaphosa acknowledged that illegal migration can strain public services, but insisted there is “no space for xenophobia” in South Africa. He urged communities to reject misinformation and avoid stoking violence.