South Africa launches crackdown on illegal immigration South Africa is introducing a comprehensive strategy to address illegal immigration, which includes establishing dedicated immigration courts, faster deportations, and stricter penalties for employers hiring undocumented individuals. The government plans to roll out a biometric population register, relocate refugee centers, and implement foreign worker quotas in certain sectors. President Cyril Ramaphosa stated that unchecked illegal migration poses risks to the country’s security and economy, while also cautioning against xenophobic violence and vowing to uphold constitutional and international obligations.

• South Africa is launching a sweeping crackdown on illegal immigration.
• New measures include dedicated immigration courts for faster deportations.
• Tighter border controls and stricter penalties for employers hiring undocumented migrants are planned.
• A biometric population register linked to a Digital ID system will be implemented.
• Foreign worker quotas will be introduced in selected sectors.
• President Ramaphosa stressed that illegal migration risks security and economic progress.
• He warned against xenophobic violence and pledged to uphold international obligations.
• The government is also initiating an anti-corruption drive within the Home Affairs system.
• Recent voluntary repatriations of Ghanaian and Mozambican nationals were processed.