Ramaphosa unveils multi-pronged plan to curb illegal immigration

What the plan includes

Ramaphosa said the government’s response is a Comprehensive Approach for Migration Management adopted by Cabinet and endorsed by the President’s Coordinating Council. He set out five broad elements of the approach, saying the aim is that everyone in the country should be here legally.

Enforcement and deportations

The President said the Department of Home Affairs, Border Management Authority (BMA), South African Police Service (SAPS) and other law-enforcement agencies will intensify identification and deportation efforts targeting undocumented foreign nationals residing illegally in South Africa. He said the government will set up dedicated courts to deal with immigration to speed up deportation processes and that inspections of companies employing undocumented foreign nationals will be increased.

Penalties for employers and labour enforcement

Ramaphosa announced that penalties for employers who violate the Immigration Act will be increased, including imprisonment for those found guilty. He said the Department of Employment and Labour has begun a phased recruitment of inspectors and that the department will rebuild labour enforcement capacity, including the phased recruitment of 10,000 inspectors for this financial year, according to the address.

Border security

The President said part of the response is to prevent people from entering the country irregularly and to strengthen South Africa’s borders. He said government will continue to invest in technology, infrastructure and personnel to secure borders while facilitating legitimate trade, travel and economic activity. Ramaphosa noted that the Border Management Authority intercepted and prevented more than 450,000 people from entering South Africa illegally over the past year.

Immigration system reforms and anti-corruption

Ramaphosa said the government will stamp out corruption and inefficiencies in the Department of Home Affairs, and pursue officials who facilitate unlawful entry or sell documents. He announced plans to establish an Intelligent Population Register containing biometric data for every person in the country and to progressively discontinue the green ID books, which he said have enabled identity theft.

Legislation and policy changes

The President said current immigration laws are fragmented and allow legal loopholes that are exploited, and that the government is addressing those gaps. He said the National Labour Migration Policy has been finalised and that the Employment Services Amendment Bill has been approved by Cabinet for introduction to Parliament; the bill would empower the minister to set quotas for employment of foreign nationals in any sector.

Regional engagement and coordination

Ramaphosa said South Africa will engage other countries and work through regional bodies to address migration pressures that stem from conflict, stagnation and poverty. He said the government will send envoys to several African countries to outline the measures announced and that the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Migration will coordinate the government’s response across departments and spheres of government.

Appeal for humane enforcement

While underlining enforcement, Ramaphosa warned against vigilantism and urged citizens to respect the Constitution and uphold human rights. In his address he said:

“We reject the notion that we must tolerate illegal immigration. We can protect our borders while protecting human dignity. We can enforce our laws while upholding our Constitution.”

He added that migration is a global and continental phenomenon and that enforcement measures must be paired with efforts to address the root causes of migration.

Source: IOL