Xenophobia: S’Africa intensifies crackdown on illegal immigration

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South Africa has intensified immigration enforcement nationwide, arresting more than 40,000 undocumented migrants this year as authorities tighten border controls and accelerate repatriations.

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The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi, disclosed this during a media briefing in Pretoria.

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Kubayi said intelligence-led operations were ongoing at land, sea and air ports of entry to identify undocumented migrants and employers violating immigration laws.

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She said the crackdown followed measures announced last week by President Cyril Ramaphosa to address illegal migration amid growing public concern and protests in several cities.

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According to her, the measures include labour law reforms, tighter border controls and efforts to curb corruption within the immigration system.

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Kubayi said scores of undocumented migrants and their employers had been arrested in the past week alone.

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She added that the government was improving border infrastructure and strengthening access to essential services in border communities.

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The minister said the re-establishment of a court at the Lindela Repatriation Centre would help speed up deportation processes.

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She disclosed that repatriation of foreign nationals was ongoing, including citizens of Malawi, Ghana and Nigeria.

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Kubayi said the Department of International Relations and Cooperation was engaging foreign governments to explain South Africa’s immigration measures and facilitate orderly returns.

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According to her, authorities are also collaborating with partner countries to strengthen border security and improve migration management.

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She urged undocumented migrants to comply with South African laws, noting that several countries were voluntarily repatriating their nationals.

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“The South African government will not tolerate the circumvention of our immigration systems and laws,” Kubayi said.

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She also warned employers against violating immigration and labour regulations.

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(Xinhua/NAN)

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