President Cyril Ramaphosa is anticipated to address the nation regarding the government's full strategy for migration management. The forthcoming address follows Cabinet's approval of the revised White Paper on Citizenship, Immigration and Refugee Protection in March 2026. This full approach to migration was developed earlier by the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Migration, indicating a coordinated effort across government departments and a unified approach to a critical national issue. The strategy aims to outline how South Africa intends to manage its migration landscape going forward, addressing both national security concerns and economic development objectives.
New Migration Framework Approved
Minister in The Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni announced on Friday that Cabinet had received and approved a full approach to migration in South Africa. This significant decision shows the government's commitment to establishing a strong and coherent framework for managing migration. The Cabinet also approved the National Action Plan (NAP) on Migration in South Africa, which will serve as a detailed roadmap for implementing the new policies and directives. Additionally, the Employment Services Amendment Bill received Cabinet approval for submission to Parliament, according to Minister Ntshavheni. This bill is a key component of the broader strategy, designed to regulate the employment of foreign nationals within the country. She stated that President Cyril Ramaphosa would address the nation on the matter, providing further clarity and context regarding these critical developments. "The President will address the nation on this matter," Ntshavheni reiterated, confirming the forthcoming presidential address to provide further details on the new migration framework and elaborate on the government's vision.
Strengthening Border Control
The South African government has introduced several measures aimed at curbing illegal immigration and ensuring the integrity of its borders. Among these initiatives, the Border Management Authority (BMA) was established in 2023 with the specific mandate to strengthen border control across all entry points. The BMA is tasked with full border law enforcement functions across land, air, and maritime ports of entry, as well as within designated border law enforcement areas, ensuring a unified and efficient approach to border management. Concurrently, the Department of Home Affairs has reported a consistent increase in the number of deportations of undocumented foreign nationals year on year since 2022, indicating a sustained and intensified effort to enforce immigration regulations and maintain national security. This trend notes the government's resolve to manage migration effectively and address issues of non-compliance.
Minister's Warning and Call to Action
Minister Ntshavheni made these remarks in Pretoria during a media briefing on the outcomes of Wednesday’s Cabinet meeting, emphasizing the urgency and importance of the new migration policies. The Department of Employment and Labour has finalised the National Labour Migration Policy, which provides for the prosecution of employers who hire undocumented foreign nationals, serving as a strong deterrent against illegal employment practices. Minister Ntshavheni warned South Africans against taking law enforcement into their own hands in response to illegal migration, urging citizens to allow official channels to manage these complex issues. She reiterated, "The President will address the nation on this matter," confirming the upcoming presidential address to detail the new migration framework and provide a clear national direction on how migration will be managed moving forward.
Broader Policy Goals
The Employment Services Amendment Bill grants the Minister of Employment and Labour the authority to establish quotas for the employment of foreign nationals across specific economic sectors or occupational categories, providing a structured approach to labour migration. Concurrently, the National Labour Migration Policy introduces maximum quotas for documented foreign nationals, aiming to balance the needs of the South African labour market with the influx of foreign workers. The revised White Paper on Citizenship, Immigration and Refugee Protection outlines full policy priorities for reforming South Africa’s framework in these key areas. It also aims to curb fraud and abuse within the immigration system, strengthen national security by ensuring strong vetting processes, improve service delivery through digital transformation of application processes, and support economic development initiatives by attracting skilled migrants while protecting local job opportunities. These interconnected policies represent a holistic strategy designed to address the multifaceted challenges and opportunities presented by migration.
