Govt intensifies measures to curb illegal immigration

The government has announced a series of intensified measures to curb illegal immigration, including increased workplace inspections, faster deportation processes, and stronger border security in response to growing public concern over undocumented foreign nationals.

Addressing the media on Friday, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on migration had accelerated interventions aimed at strengthening immigration enforcement while ensuring that deportations are conducted lawfully and humanely.

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Among the key measures is the expansion of labour inspections targeting companies suspected of employing undocumented foreign nationals.

The inspections will be led by the deputy ministers of Employment and Labour, Home Affairs, and SAPS in an effort to crack down on employers who flout immigration and labour laws.

Ntshavheni said the government was also moving to streamline deportation processes through the re-establishment of specialised immigration courts.

These include the reopening of the Immigration Specialised Court in Durban, which previously processed deportation matters linked to the Sherwood facility, the Immigration Court at OR Tambo International Airport, and the reactivation of the court at the Lindela Repatriation Centre in Krugersdorp.

She said the measures are intended to ensure that deportations are carried out efficiently while respecting the dignity and rights of those being repatriated.

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It pledged to work closely with the countries of origin to facilitate co-ordinated repatriation efforts.

As part of this initiative, a temporary repatriation centre has been established in Musina to process migrants returning to neighbouring countries under what the government described as humane conditions.

The Cabinet expressed appreciation to humanitarian organisations, including Gift of the Givers, Ashraful Aid, and the Mahlasela Foundation, for assisting migrants with food, shelter, and other essential services during the repatriation process.

Since June 7, the Border Management Authority has intercepted an increased number of people attempting to enter South Africa unlawfully.

According to the government, those intercepted included undocumented migrants, individuals declared undesirable, and travellers turned away because they did not possess valid travel documents.

The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (Natjoints) is investigating several criminal cases linked to recent protests over illegal immigration.

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These include cases involving public violence, public disorder, and alleged incitement, with several suspects already arrested, while other investigations continue.

On Thursday, members of the IMC visited the Limpopo-Zimbabwe border to assess infrastructure requirements aimed at strengthening border security and reducing illegal crossings.

Ntshavheni confirmed that the cabinet had been informed of the deaths of two Mozambican nationals and one Malawian national during the early stages of protests against irregular migration.

She said the government extended its condolences to the affected families and reiterated its commitment to addressing illegal immigration within the framework of the Constitution and the rule of law.

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The latest interventions come amid heightened national debate over illegal immigration and increasing calls for stronger enforcement of South Africa’s immigration laws while safeguarding human rights.