South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced a new government approach aimed at strengthening the country’s migration management system and addressing growing public concern over illegal immigration.
In a statement to South Africans, President Ramaphosa said many citizens have raised concerns in recent months about border security, law enforcement, jobs, public services, and crime linked to illegal immigration. He said the government recognises these concerns and is taking steps to ensure that South Africa’s immigration, labour, and business laws are properly enforced.
According to the President, South Africa is responding to the effects of unchecked illegal immigration on jobs and economic opportunities, especially where some companies employ and exploit undocumented foreign nationals in violation of the law.
He also acknowledged public concerns that some foreign-owned spaza shops are affecting local traders in communities, while others believe illegal immigration puts pressure on public services such as clinics, hospitals, and schools. However, he noted that statistics show foreign nationals make up only a small proportion of users of these public services.
President Ramaphosa further addressed the link often made between illegal immigration and crime. He said that while organised syndicates exploit weaknesses in the immigration system to commit crimes such as drug trafficking, illegal mining, and extortion, the overwhelming majority of foreign nationals in South Africa are not involved in crime.
The President warned that in communities affected by unemployment, poverty, crime, violence, and poor service delivery, frustrations are often directed at foreign nationals who are seen as competitors for jobs and resources.
To address these challenges, South Africa has adopted what the government calls a Comprehensive Approach for Migration Management, which was approved by Cabinet last week.
Under this approach, the government says it will crack down on violations of immigration, labour, and other laws, deploy more resources and technology to secure the country’s borders, fight corruption within the immigration system, and improve efficiency in immigration services.
The government is also planning to introduce legislation to close gaps in citizenship and immigration laws. This includes allowing quotas for foreign nationals in different sectors and ensuring that informal businesses are properly registered.
President Ramaphosa said South Africa will also work with countries across the region and the continent to address the conflict, instability and economic hardship that force many people to leave their home countries.
He stressed that immigration enforcement is the responsibility of authorised state officials only, warning communities not to take the law into their own hands.
“Only authorised officials of the state may enforce our immigration laws,” he said, adding that South Africans still have a role to play in upholding the law and building social cohesion.
The President said the government’s actions will be guided by South Africa’s Constitution, national laws and international obligations.
He urged citizens to stand against violence, intimidation, intolerance, misinformation, and attempts to incite xenophobic attacks.
“We must confront racism, sexism, xenophobia, and Afrophobia,” he said.
Ramaphosa called on traditional and religious leaders, civil society, business, labour, political parties, and all South Africans to support the government’s efforts to tackle illegal immigration while maintaining respect for human rights and the rule of law.
He said South Africa is a country shaped by migration and must deal with illegal immigration fairly while remaining true to its Constitution and shared humanity.
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