Ramaphosa announces immigration crackdown, warns against xenophobia

President Cyril Ramaphosa has unveiled a comprehensive strategy to address illegal immigration and bolster South Africa's borders. The announcement, made during a televised address, comes amid growing public concern over undocumented migration and rising anti-foreigner sentiment.

The president acknowledged government shortcomings in migration management and corruption within the system, which have fueled public frustration over unemployment, strained public services, and crime. However, Ramaphosa cautioned against scapegoating migrants for the nation's broader economic challenges, emphasizing that "illegal immigration is not the cause of all our economic challenges."

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The responsibility for enforcing immigration laws rests with the state and the state alone.

The new strategy rests on five pillars: intensified enforcement of immigration and labor laws, enhanced border controls, a crackdown on corruption, legislative reforms, and increased cooperation with African nations. A key measure involves establishing dedicated immigration courts to expedite the deportation of undocumented individuals. The Border Management Authority has already intercepted over 450,000 people attempting to enter the country illegally in the past year.

Ramaphosa also highlighted plans to increase workplace inspections and penalties for employers who hire undocumented migrants, noting that some employers exploit these workers with sub-minimum wages and poor conditions. The government aims to recruit 10,000 labor inspectors to bolster these efforts. The president stressed that enforcing immigration laws is solely the state's responsibility, warning against vigilantism and private groups attempting to police foreign nationals.

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Illegal immigration is not the cause of all our economic challenges.