President Cyril Ramaphosa says government will take tougher action against illegal immigration while rejecting xenophobia and violence against foreign nationals.

KEY ANNOUNCEMENTS

1. Crackdown on Illegal Immigration

• More arrests and deportations of undocumented immigrants.
• Dedicated immigration courts to speed up deportations.
• Increased inspections of workplaces employing undocumented workers.
• Stronger penalties, including possible imprisonment, for employers who knowingly hire undocumented immigrants.

2. Stronger Border Security

• Government will continue investing in technology, infrastructure and personnel at border posts.
• Refugee reception centres will gradually be moved closer to border posts, starting with Tshwane.

3. Home Affairs Overhaul

• Crackdown on corruption within Home Affairs.
• Creation of an Intelligent Population Register with biometric information.
• Introduction of a Digital ID system.
• Green ID books will eventually be phased out.

4. Employment and Business Changes

• Government wants to introduce quotas on the employment of foreign nationals in certain sectors.
• Employers exploiting undocumented migrants will face stricter action.
• Government will support South African-owned spaza shops and informal businesses through registration and funding initiatives.

5. Working With African Countries

• South Africa will engage neighbouring and African countries on migration challenges.
• Presidential envoys will be sent to several African countries to discuss the new measures.

MESSAGE TO COMMUNITIES

Ramaphosa said concerns about illegal immigration are legitimate, but warned that:

• No citizen may demand identity documents from people in the street.
• Government alone must enforce immigration laws.
• Xenophobia, violence and attacks on foreign nationals will not be tolerated.

QUOTE OF THE NIGHT

“We reject the notion that we must tolerate illegal immigration. We can protect our borders while protecting human dignity.”

BOTTOM LINE

Government has acknowledged that illegal immigration is a significant challenge affecting jobs, public services, security and the economy. The President says South Africa will tighten border control, increase deportations, strengthen laws and crack down on corruption, while ensuring that immigration enforcement remains lawful and respects human rights.