Ramaphosa Vows Crackdown On South African Employers Hiring Undocumented Foreign Nationals

President Cyril Ramaphosa warned on Thursday that illegal immigration poses a threat to South Africa’s security and economy.

He said employers who hire undocumented foreign workers would face the full force of the law, as the government steps up border security and deploys 10,000 additional labour inspectors. Said Ramaphosa:

“Illegal immigration continues to pose a risk to our security, our stability, and economic progress. We will address this problem while ensuring that the fundamental rights of every person in this country are upheld and protected.

“This year, we will take additional steps to secure our borders. Funding to strengthen border security will be prioritised, covering infrastructure, technology, and people.

“Now, key border posts will be redeveloped through public-private partnerships, and we will extend the electronic travel authorisation to all international airports and the busiest land ports of entry.

“We are already using drones and technology to greater effect all along our border line. The police, Home Affairs, and labour inspectors will work together to crack down on violations of existing immigration, labour, and other laws.

“Employers who hire foreign nationals without the required permits or visas will face the full might of the law.”

Ramaphosa was delivering his second State of the Nation Address (SONA) under the Government of National Unity (GNU) in Cape Town.