South Africa unveils tougher illegal migration measures
Key Takeaways
- Ramaphosa says migration benefits South Africa when it occurs through legal and regulated channels.
- The government plans to strengthen immigration laws and tackle illegal migration-related challenges.
- He urged South Africans to respect human rights, reject xenophobia, and uphold the country's constitutional values.
Ramaphosa announces stricter enforcement while warning against anti-foreigner tensions
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced a series of measures aimed at tackling illegal immigration, while warning against efforts to use the issue to fuel instability in the country.
Addressing the nation from Pretoria on Sunday, Ramaphosa said the government was stepping up enforcement as concerns over undocumented migration continue to grow.
The new measures include prison sentences for employers who hire undocumented workers, specialised courts to speed up deportation processes, and the use of biometric technology to prevent identity theft.
Ramaphosa said authorities were prepared to maintain public order amid growing tensions linked to immigration.
"As we work to tackle the problem of illegal immigration, we are determined that we will not allow anyone to exploit this problem to destabilise our country," he said.
"Our law enforcement agencies and security services, working together with other state entities and key stakeholders, are ready to act to protect the republic, public safety, maintain law and order, and safeguard critical infrastructure," Ramaphosa went on.
His remarks come amid a rise in rallies and protests targeting foreign nationals in recent months, against the backdrop of high unemployment.
While outlining tougher enforcement measures, Ramaphosa stressed that migration remained important to South Africa and should not become a source of division.
"South Africa is a better country for migration, and we can become better still. But that means our laws need to be strengthened and enforced. It means that we must end illegal immigration and deal with the social, economic and security challenges to which it contributes," he added.
"We must not allow ourselves to turn against foreign nationals and each other as South Africans."
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
