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Ramaphosa announces crackdown on undocumented migrants
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has outlined stringent new policies to tackle illegal migration, including jail terms for employers hiring undocumented workers and specialized courts to expedite deportations. The measures come as anti-foreigner protests escalate and fears of violence grow across the country.
Deadline sparks evacuation of foreign nationals
Anti-migrant groups have set a 30 June deadline for undocumented migrants to leave South Africa, prompting several African nations to organize evacuations. Over the past weekend, around 140 people boarded buses to Malawi and Mozambique after reports of intimidation and violence, including the deaths of two Mozambicans in Mossel Bay.
In the Western Cape's Overberg region, hundreds of migrants fled their homes following door-to-door threats, seeking refuge in community halls, beaches, and mountains. Meanwhile, in Durban, foreigners have been camping outside the home affairs department for weeks, citing safety concerns.
Five-point plan to address migration pressures
Ramaphosa acknowledged that illegal migration strains public services and fuels organized crime, revealing that authorities intercepted over 450,000 attempted illegal entries in the past year alone. His five-point strategy includes:
- Establishing a biometric register for all residents to prevent identity fraud;
- Deploying 10,000 inspectors to target employers exploiting undocumented workers;
- Introducing stricter penalties, including imprisonment, for businesses violating labor laws;
- Relocating refugee reception centers to border posts to streamline processing;
- Setting quotas for foreign workers in specific economic sectors.
The president also announced plans to phase out green ID books, which have been linked to identity theft, in favor of a digital identification system.
Warnings against vigilantism and xenophobia
Ramaphosa condemned vigilante actions, emphasizing that only government officials are authorized to enforce immigration laws. He warned against groups exploiting public concerns for political or criminal gain, particularly ahead of November's local elections.
"We will act against forces who are exploiting the concerns of our people about illegal immigration to further their own political, personal or criminal agendas."
Cyril Ramaphosa, South African President
The president reiterated South Africa's commitment to tolerance, stating, "There is no space for xenophobia, racism, or any form of intolerance." He highlighted the country's history of migration as a source of diversity and cultural vibrancy.
Economic tensions and corruption concerns
Ramaphosa addressed frustrations over foreign nationals running small township businesses, known as spaza shops, which have been targeted in past xenophobic violence. The government plans to register all informal shops and enforce quotas for foreign employment in certain sectors.
Corruption among officials facilitating illegal migration was also acknowledged, with the president vowing to root out those selling fraudulent documents. South Africa's unemployment rate, hovering around 33%, was cited as a key driver of public discontent.
Diplomatic outreach and future steps
Ramaphosa announced plans to dispatch envoys to other African nations to explain the new measures, stressing the importance of regional stability and economic growth. He concluded on an optimistic note, expressing confidence that South Africa would overcome the challenges posed by illegal migration.
"South Africa has overcome far greater challenges than this. We have overcome division. We have overcome conflict. We have overcome injustice. We will overcome this challenge too."
Cyril Ramaphosa
