President Cyril Ramaphosa addresses the nation on the government's management approach to illegal migration and the recent surge in protests against foreign nationals. South Africa. (GCIS)
President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced a sweeping package of measures aimed at tightening immigration enforcement, securing South Africa’s borders and cracking down on employers who hire undocumented migrants, as government seeks to respond to growing public concern over illegal immigration while containing rising tensions over anti-foreigner protests.
In a nationally televised address from the Union Buildings on Sunday evening, Ramaphosa acknowledged failures in migration management, corruption within the immigration system and mounting public frustration over unemployment, pressure on public services and crime.
At the same time, he warned against xenophobia, vigilantism and attempts by private groups to police foreign nationals.
“The responsibility for enforcing immigration laws rests with the state and the state alone,” Ramaphosa said.
