New plan from President Cyril Ramaphosa aims to tighten immigration and border controls
The proposed measures include dedicated immigration courts, stronger border security, tougher action against employers who break immigration laws, and reforms to improve the country's immigration system.
President Cyril Ramaphosa announced a five-point migration plan in his address on May 7, after recent illegal immigration protests in local communities.
The plan focuses on cracking down on violations, securing the country’s borders, strengthening the immigration system, closing gaps in laws and policies, and working with other African countries to better manage migration.
Measures aimed at tackling violations include identifying and deporting undocumented foreign nationals, establishing dedicated immigration courts, increasing inspections of companies employing undocumented workers, recruiting 10,000 additional labour inspectors, and increasing penalties for employers who breach the Immigration Act.
The border security component of the plan prioritises funding for border control measures, including the deployment of ground sensors, satellite monitoring, and drones. It also proposes the redevelopment and upgrading of the busiest ports of entry, as well as relocating refugee reception centres to border posts.
Efforts to strengthen the immigration system include cracking down on corruption and inefficiency at home affairs, building an intelligent population register with biometric data, expanding smart ID access and phasing out green ID books, extending biometric systems to international airports and the busiest land ports, and ending abuse of the traffic registration number.
To address legal and policy gaps, the government plans to develop a single legal framework on migration for documented foreign nationals, strengthen the prosecution of employers hiring undocumented workers, register small and informal businesses, and support local traders through the spaza shop fund.
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The final pillar of the plan focuses on co-operation with other African countries to promote growth, development, and employment, tackle political instability, conflict, and economic hardship, and work through SADC, the African Union, and bilateral relationships to better manage migration on the continent.
“Like many challenges that we have faced before, we can overcome the problem of illegal immigration,” said the president. “Let us do so, not through fear, anger, hatred, or violence, but through unity, determination, and respect for the rule of law.”
He also stated that unlawful actions, violence, intimidation, xenophobia, and the spread of misinformation have no place in South Africa. Only authorised law enforcement agencies may act against violations of the law, and all people must be treated with dignity and respect.
“Let us build a South Africa that is secure, lawful, compassionate, and prosperous.
A South Africa in which we expand opportunity, protect people’s dignity, and fulfil the promise of democracy for all.”
More news updates to follow.
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