President Cyril Ramaphosa has warned that employers who hire undocumented workers will face tougher penalties, including imprisonment, under government’s new migration enforcement drive.

The Ramaphosa immigration plan comes amid rising public concern over illegal migration, jobs, pressure on services and anti-foreigner protests. In his national address on Sunday, 7 June 2026, Ramaphosa said only authorised state officials may enforce immigration laws.

Employers face stronger action under immigration plan

Ramaphosa said government would increase inspections at companies suspected of employing undocumented foreign nationals. The Department of Employment and Labour has also started the phased recruitment of 10,000 labour inspectors in the current financial year.

According to the Presidency and Gov.za, the first part of the plan focuses on enforcing existing immigration, labour and related laws. Home Affairs, the Border Management Authority, SAPS and other agencies will intensify operations to identify and deport people living in the country unlawfully.

Ramaphosa said the Border Management Authority stopped more than 450,000 people from entering South Africa illegally in the past year. Government also plans to set up dedicated immigration courts to speed up deportation processes.

“We cannot have a situation where employers who, after being charged and found guilty of violating our laws, merely pay a fine and continue employing undocumented foreign nationals whom they exploit,” Ramaphosa said in the address.

Borders, IDs and new laws form part of the plan

The Ramaphosa immigration plan also includes more investment in border technology, infrastructure and personnel. Government will start moving refugee reception centres closer to border posts, beginning with the Tshwane centre this year.

A third focus area is corruption and digital reform. Ramaphosa said officials who sell documents, facilitate unlawful entry or abuse public office will face dismissal and criminal prosecution.

Government is also establishing an Intelligent Population Register with biometric data for every person in South Africa. In addition, Home Affairs will set a date for phasing out green ID books, while the Transport Department is expected to issue regulations within three months to stop abuse of Traffic Registration Numbers as identification documents.

Policy reforms and regional talks

The Presidency said Cabinet has approved the Employment Services Amendment Bill for introduction to Parliament. The bill would allow the Employment and Labour Minister to set quotas for foreign nationals in specific sectors or occupational categories.

SAnews reported that the National Labour Migration Policy proposes maximum quotas for documented foreign nationals and provides for the prosecution of employers who hire undocumented workers.

Ramaphosa said South Africa would also work through SADC, the African Union and bilateral channels to address wider migration pressures. He added that migration must be managed through lawful channels while respecting human rights.

Responses and public order

Ramaphosa warned that government would not allow migration tensions to be used to incite violence or destabilise the country. He said law enforcement agencies were ready to protect public safety, maintain order and safeguard critical infrastructure.

The president also rejected xenophobia, racism, Afrophobia and other forms of intolerance. He said South Africa can protect its borders while protecting human dignity.