South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced a comprehensive Government strategy to tackle illegal immigration, following Cabinet approval of a new migration management framework.
Addressing the nation on 7 June 2026, Ramaphosa said the plan is built on five key pillars: stricter enforcement of immigration and labour laws, enhanced border security, anti-corruption measures within the immigration system, reforms to immigration laws and policies, and greater regional cooperation on migration issues.
The President revealed that authorities intercepted more than 450,000 people attempting to enter South Africa illegally over the past year and indicated that dedicated immigration Courts would be established to accelerate the deportation of undocumented migrants.
As part of efforts to strengthen border management, refugee reception Centres will gradually be relocated to border posts, beginning with the Tshwane Centre later this year. Government will also increase investment in border technology, infrastructure and personnel.
Ramaphosa said corruption within the immigration system remains a major concern, warning that officials involved in facilitating illegal entry or issuing fraudulent documents would face dismissal and prosecution. He highlighted plans to expand the country’s biometric population register and phase out the green ID book, which has been vulnerable to fraud and identity theft.
The Government also intends to close legal loopholes in immigration legislation and engage neighbouring African countries to address the root causes of migration.
Ramaphosa said special envoys would be dispatched to several African states to explain South Africa’s new measures and strengthen regional cooperation on migration management.