South Africa Adopts Five-Pillar Migration Plan Focused on Enforcement, Border Security and Anti-Corruption Measures

The South African government adopted a Comprehensive Approach for Migration Management that rests on five pillars: cracking down on violations of immigration and labour laws, preventing illegal entry, stamping out corruption, strengthening laws and policies, and working with other countries on regional migration challenges.

President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the nation on Sunday, 7 June 2026, and said the plan was adopted by Cabinet last week and endorsed by the President's Coordinating Council, which includes Premiers, local government representatives and traditional leaders.

"As government our objective is clear.

We want a South Africa where every person who enters the country does so lawfully; a South Africa where immigration laws are respected and enforced; a South Africa where businesses compete fairly; a South Africa where communities feel safe and secure, and a South Africa that remains true to its constitutional values and its commitment to human dignity," the President said.

The Department of Home Affairs, the Border Management Authority, the South African Police Service and other law enforcement agencies have been identifying and deporting undocumented foreign nationals and will intensify those operations. In the past year the Border Management Authority intercepted and stopped over 450 000 people attempting to enter South Africa illegally.

Dedicated courts will be established to handle immigration cases and speed up deportations. Government will continue to invest in modern technology, infrastructure and personnel to secure borders while facilitating legitimate trade, travel and economic activity. A phased relocation of refugee reception centres to border posts will begin with the Tshwane centre this year.