South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced a tougher crackdown on illegal migration while condemning the wave of xenophobic protests and attacks that have targeted foreign nationals across the country.
In a televised national address, Ramaphosa said his government would strengthen border security, accelerate deportations of undocumented migrants, impose tougher penalties on employers who hire them illegally, and introduce reforms to the immigration system. He stressed that South Africa would not tolerate illegal migration but also would not allow vigilante groups to enforce immigration laws themselves.
The president warned that some groups were exploiting public concerns about immigration to advance “political, personal and criminal agendas” and destabilize the country. He emphasized that only state authorities have the power to enforce immigration laws and cautioned citizens against confronting people in the streets or demanding proof of nationality.
The announcement comes after weeks of anti-immigrant demonstrations and xenophobic violence that have prompted countries including Ghana, Nigeria, Malawi, and Mozambique to assist citizens wishing to return home. Mozambique has reported the deaths of five of its nationals during the unrest.
Ramaphosa acknowledged that illegal migration is a serious issue but argued that migrants are often unfairly blamed for problems rooted in poverty, unemployment, and economic hardship. He said South Africa would work with neighboring countries and send envoys across Africa to address migration challenges through cooperation rather than violence.
The government also plans to establish specialized immigration courts, expand biometric identification systems, and replace older paper identity documents with more secure digital alternatives as part of a broader overhaul of migration management.
The developments have intensified diplomatic tensions, with several African governments expressing concern over the safety of their citizens in South Africa and calling for stronger protection against xenophobic attacks.
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