President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced a series of measures aimed at strengthening South Africa’s immigration system, securing borders and addressing illegal migration following growing public concern and anti-illegal immigration protests in parts of the country. In a national address delivered from the Union Buildings in Pretoria on Sunday evening, the President outlined government’s new Comprehensive Approach for Migration Management and acknowledged concerns around border security, employment, service delivery and crime. The announcement is particularly significant for Gauteng, where recent protests in areas including Ekurhuleni and Johannesburg have brought migration issues into sharp focus and intensified calls for government intervention.
The address comes amid growing pressure on government to respond to public concerns about illegal migration while balancing South Africa’s constitutional obligations and international commitments.
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Why Is Government Acting Now?
President Cyril Ramaphosa’s address follows weeks of demonstrations across Gauteng and other provinces where communities have called for stronger enforcement of immigration laws.
Several groups have organised marches demanding action against undocumented foreign nationals, arguing that illegal migration contributes to pressure on public services, employment opportunities and community safety.
One of the organisations involved in recent demonstrations, March and March, has publicly set a 30 June deadline for undocumented foreign nationals to leave South Africa. Similar protests have also taken place in Benoni, Ekurhuleni and other parts of Gauteng under banners calling for stricter immigration enforcement.
The protests have received widespread attention, with neighbouring countries including Kenya, Zimbabwe, Malawi and Lesotho urging their citizens in South Africa to exercise caution amid rising tensions.
Against this backdrop, Ramaphosa used the national address to outline government’s official response and reassure citizens that immigration concerns are being addressed through state institutions.
The President said South Africans have legitimate concerns about border security, immigration enforcement and service delivery pressures, but warned that solutions must be implemented through lawful processes.
Government Adopts New Migration Management Strategy
A key announcement from the address was the adoption of a Comprehensive Approach for Migration Management.
According to Ramaphosa, Cabinet and the President’s Coordinating Council have endorsed the strategy, which aims to strengthen immigration enforcement while ensuring compliance with the Constitution and South Africa’s international obligations.
The President said the strategy is designed to improve border management, modernise immigration systems and address weaknesses that have allowed illegal migration to flourish.
Government’s plan is built around several key interventions.
Stronger Enforcement and Deportation Measures
Government intends intensifying operations aimed at identifying and deporting undocumented foreign nationals residing illegally in South Africa.
According to Ramaphosa, the Department of Home Affairs, Border Management Authority and South African Police Service will continue coordinated enforcement operations across the country.
The President revealed that more than 450,000 attempted illegal border crossings were intercepted by the Border Management Authority over the past year.
Government also plans to establish dedicated immigration courts to speed up immigration-related matters and reduce case backlogs.
According to Ramaphosa, this will allow authorities to process cases more efficiently and strengthen enforcement efforts.
Employers Face Tougher Consequences
A significant focus of the address was the role of employers who knowingly hire undocumented foreign nationals.
Ramaphosa said some businesses exploit vulnerable workers by paying below-minimum wages and exposing them to poor working conditions.
To address this, government plans to:
- Increase workplace inspections
- Recruit approximately 10,000 labour inspectors
- Strengthen compliance monitoring
- Introduce tougher penalties for non-compliant employers
The President said businesses that knowingly violate labour and immigration laws undermine fair competition and worker protections.
Border Security to Be Strengthened
Government also announced plans to expand border security measures.
According to Ramaphosa, investment will be directed towards:
- New border technologies
- Improved surveillance systems
- Additional border personnel
- Modernised immigration processing systems
One of the most significant announcements for Gauteng was the planned relocation of the Tshwane Refugee Reception Centre closer to border entry points.
Government believes the move will improve asylum processing and reduce pressure on urban centres.
The relocation process is expected to begin during 2026.
South Africa Moves Towards Digital Identification
The President also confirmed plans to modernise South Africa’s identity management systems.
Government is developing an Intelligent Population Register that will contain biometric information for every person living in South Africa.
According to Ramaphosa, the system will support the future rollout of a Digital ID programme and improve identity verification processes.
He also confirmed that green barcoded ID books will eventually be phased out.
The Department of Home Affairs is expected to announce timelines and implementation details at a later stage.
New Immigration and Labour Reforms Planned
Government is also moving to tighten immigration and labour legislation.
According to Ramaphosa:
- The National Labour Migration Policy has been finalised.
- Employment quotas for foreign nationals may be introduced in certain sectors.
- Employers who violate immigration regulations could face stricter penalties.
- Informal businesses will face stronger registration and compliance requirements.
The Employment Services Amendment Bill has already been approved by Cabinet and is expected to proceed through the legislative process.
Government says the reforms are intended to create a more effective and transparent immigration system.
What Ramaphosa Said About Xenophobia and the 30 June Deadline
A significant portion of the President’s address focused on anti-foreigner sentiment and recent protests.
Ramaphosa rejected claims that South Africans are inherently xenophobic and reiterated comments made during last week’s State Visit by Kenyan President William Ruto, where he said South Africans want to coexist peacefully with people from across the continent.
The President acknowledged concerns about illegal migration but stressed that no individual, organisation or community structure has the authority to enforce immigration laws.
His remarks appeared to directly address recent protests and calls for undocumented foreign nationals to leave the country before 30 June.
According to Ramaphosa, immigration enforcement remains the responsibility of government institutions and law enforcement agencies.
“No other person is allowed, for example, to confront someone in the street to demand proof of nationality,” the President said.
He also warned against vigilantism, intimidation and the spread of misinformation on social media, saying government would address immigration challenges through lawful and constitutional processes.
Why Gauteng Is Central to the Debate
Gauteng remains at the centre of South Africa’s migration debate.
The province is home to the country’s largest metropolitan economies, major transport corridors, industrial hubs and some of the busiest public service facilities.
Recent demonstrations in Benoni, Ekurhuleni and Johannesburg have highlighted community frustrations around migration, employment and service delivery.
As a result, many of the measures announced by government are expected to have a visible impact in Gauteng before other parts of the country.
What This Means for Gauteng Residents
For Gauteng residents, the President’s announcement signals a more coordinated approach to immigration enforcement and border management.
In the coming months, communities may see:
- Increased workplace inspections
- Additional immigration enforcement operations
- Changes to refugee processing systems
- Stronger business compliance requirements
- Future changes to identification systems
Government also indicated that efforts will focus on reducing corruption within immigration processes and improving public confidence in the system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Ramaphosa address the nation?
The President addressed growing public concerns about illegal migration, border security, service delivery pressures and recent protests across several provinces, including Gauteng.
What is the Comprehensive Approach for Migration Management?
It is government’s newly adopted strategy aimed at improving immigration enforcement, border security and migration management.
Will undocumented migrants be deported?
Government says it will intensify efforts to identify and deport undocumented foreign nationals residing illegally in South Africa.
Did Ramaphosa respond to the 30 June deadline announced by protest groups?
While the President did not endorse the deadline, he acknowledged public concerns about illegal migration and announced a series of enforcement measures. He also stressed that immigration laws must be enforced by government institutions and not through community-led actions.
What happens to employers hiring undocumented workers?
Government plans to increase inspections, strengthen enforcement and introduce tougher penalties for employers who knowingly break immigration laws.
What is happening to green ID books?
The Department of Home Affairs plans to phase out green barcoded ID books and replace them through a modernised digital identity system.
What Happens Next?
Government says implementation of the new migration strategy will be coordinated through the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Migration, supported by law enforcement agencies, labour inspectors and border officials. Several of the measures announced by the President are expected to be introduced over the coming months, while legislative reforms and institutional changes will continue moving through government processes. Authorities have also indicated that regional cooperation with neighbouring countries will remain a key component of South Africa’s long-term migration management strategy.
