South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for stricter enforcement of immigration laws, saying irregular migration is putting pressure on public services and undermining efforts to create decent work for all citizens.
Speaking to Parliament, Ramaphosa said migration can contribute to economic growth when properly managed and regulated. However, he stressed that the government needs to deal firmly with illegal migration that burdens the country's resources.
The president announced that the government is cracking down on violations of immigration laws, increasing workplace inspections and prosecuting employers who violate labour laws by hiring undocumented workers.
Ramaphosa also said the government is strengthening border security, stamping out corruption in the immigration system and closing loopholes in what he described as fragmented immigration laws.
While calling for stricter enforcement, the president also warned against xenophobia, vigilantism and social division. He emphasised that South Africa's response to immigration must be lawful and humane.
The address comes amid growing public frustration over immigration in South Africa, where communities have sometimes taken matters into their own hands with violent consequences for foreign nationals.
Opposition parties have criticised the government for not acting sooner, while civil society groups have warned that heavy-handed enforcement could lead to human rights abuses against vulnerable migrant populations.