Mashatile unveils tougher migration plan as June 30 deadline looms

Deputy President Paul Mashatile told the National Council of Provinces that the government is rolling out a new, tougher plan to manage migration as the 30 June deadline for undocumented migrants draws near. He set out measures to strengthen borders, tackle corruption in immigration systems and enforce labour and immigration laws.

Comprehensive approach announced

Mashatile said the government is implementing a Comprehensive Approach to Migration Management designed to address illegal migration. The plan is built on five pillars:

• Cracking down on violations of immigration and labour laws;
• Preventing illegal entry into the country;
• Stamping out corruption in the immigration system;
• Strengthening immigration laws and policies;
• Working with other countries to address migration challenges across the region and continent.

Coordination and legal changes

Mashatile highlighted an Inter-Ministerial Committee on Migration established by President Cyril Ramaphosa. He said the committee, led by the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, will coordinate government action on migration and oversee implementation of the president’s interventions announced on 7 June 2026.

He also noted that the Minister of Employment and Labour has introduced the Employment Services Amendment Bill in Parliament, which will allow the minister to set quotas for the employment of foreign nationals in specific sectors or occupational categories.

Preventing violence and unlawful enforcement

Mashatile said the government is using intelligence-led measures through the JCPS Cluster to prevent xenophobic violence and unlawful parallel enforcement. He urged citizens to express concerns lawfully, within the constitution, and to reject vigilantism.

Regional response and broader warnings

International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola, speaking at the Commonwealth Africa Speakers’ Conference, warned against xenophobic violence and said migration must be managed lawfully and humanely. Lamola also warned about the role of fake news in fuelling unrest and underlined the scale of migration by noting that over 45 million Africans live outside their birth countries.

Public pressure and the approaching deadline

With the 30 June date set by the civil society group March and March as a turning point, Mashatile’s presentation to the NCOP came as protests over illegal immigration have escalated in several provinces and required police intervention. He said the government remains committed to addressing migration challenges through lawful, constitutional processes.