Pretoria – President Cyril Ramaphosa has unveiled a sweeping plan to tackle South Africa’s migration crisis, pledging stronger enforcement of immigration laws, tighter border controls, and harsher penalties for employers exploiting undocumented workers.
Speaking at the Union Buildings in Tshwane on Sunday, 7 June 2026, President Ramaphosa said the government was determined to restore public confidence in its ability to manage migration while safeguarding constitutional values and human dignity.
“South Africans are entitled to expect better. We accept that responsibility and we are taking decisive action to correct these shortcomings,” President Ramaphosa declared, acknowledging widespread concerns about jobs, public services, and security.
He stressed that while illegal immigration poses risks to stability and economic progress, it was not the root cause of unemployment, which requires faster growth and investment.
While the concerns by South Africans protesting against “undocumented” foreign nationals were real, the President warned against taking the law into their own hands.
“I must make it clear that only the authorised government officials may act against violations of the law, including violation of our immigration laws,” stated President Ramaphosa.
“No other person is allowed, for example, to confront someone in the street to demand proof of nationality.”
President Ramaphosa outlined the government’s strategy which included:
First, authorities will intensify crackdowns on violations of immigration and labour laws.
He said the Border Management Authority intercepted over 450 000 illegal entry attempts last year.
President Ramaphosa announced that dedicated immigration courts would be established to speed up deportations.
Employers found guilty of hiring undocumented workers will face stricter penalties, including imprisonment, warned the President.
“Employers who knowingly hire undocumented workers and exploit their vulnerability are breaking the law,” he said.
Second, government will bolster border security with modern technology, infrastructure, and personnel.
Refugee reception centres will be relocated to border posts, beginning with Tshwane, to process asylum applications more efficiently.
Third, President Ramaphosa vowed to stamp out corruption within the Department of Home Affairs, noting that illegal immigration is often enabled by officials selling documents or facilitating unlawful entry.
Plans include a new Intelligent Population Register with biometric data and the phasing out of green ID books, which have been linked to identity theft.
Fourth, gaps in immigration laws will be closed.
The National Labour Migration Policy proposes quotas for employing foreign nationals, while the Employment Services Amendment Bill will empower the Minister to set sector-specific limits.
Support for South African informal businesses will be expanded through initiatives like the Spaza Shop Fund.
Finally, President Ramaphosa emphasised regional cooperation, saying migration pressures cannot be solved by enforcement alone.
He announced envoys would be sent to African countries to build a coordinated response through SADC and the African Union.
Rejecting xenophobia and violence, Ramaphosa urged unity: “We must not allow ourselves to turn against foreign nationals or each other.
“We can protect our borders while protecting human dignity.”
He concluded by affirming that South Africa will overcome the challenge “through unity, determination and respect for the rule of law.”
FULL SPEECH: Address by President Cyril Ramaphosa on migration, Union Buildings, Tshwane | The Presidency
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