Major Steps Announced to Tackle Illegal Immigration in South Africa

On Sunday night, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa revealed plans aimed at addressing illegal immigration. A key initiative is the development of an “Intellectual Population Register” intended to house biometric data for everyone living in the country.

Ramaphosa mentioned that this register would serve as the foundation for a new national digital identity system, replacing the current outdated bureaucratic methods.

He also stated, “The Home Office will set a date by which green ID books will no longer be recognized.”

The green ID book is a standard form of identification that has been in use since 1986, a replacement for the apartheid-era population register. It resembles a passport, complete with the South African coat of arms embossed on the cover and includes personal details such as birthdate, citizenship status, and a unique identification number.

Although South Africa began phasing out the green ID books in favor of “smart ID cards” with microchips housing biometric information in 2013, the green books remained a valid form of ID until now.

Ramaphosa acknowledged that the outdated green ID book facilitated identity theft, particularly by illegal immigrants and criminal organizations. He criticized the slow pace of the planned phase-out, set to conclude by 2029, saying it wasn’t enough to combat ongoing fraud issues.

Additionally, he promised to eliminate the misuse of transport registration numbers as identification for foreign nationals wishing to register and purchase vehicles. He has tasked the Department of Transport with revamping the vehicle registration system within three months.

The President also admitted to rampant corruption within the Department of Home Affairs, where officials have been implicated in selling documents and aiding criminal groups to exploit the immigration framework. He promised stringent action, including termination and prosecution of corrupt officials.

Moreover, Ramaphosa committed to hiring 10,000 more inspectors to prevent South African businesses from illegally employing undocumented immigrants, emphasizing the need for employment quotas in various sectors.

In a newsletter on Monday, he reiterated that the overhaul of the identity card system is a response to growing concerns about loose border control and its impacts on jobs and economic opportunities.

He pointed out that while the majority of foreigners residing in South Africa are law-abiding, he would not tolerate criticism of immigration turning into racial violence or intolerance. Patience was urged from the public as the administration develops its solutions, which will align with constitutional and legal standards.

Ramaphosa indicated that maintaining immigration order is a shared responsibility. Much of what he announced had been underway, particularly the biometric ID initiative, but the urgency stems from a public increasingly frustrated with perceived deteriorating law and order associated with illegal immigration.

“Many South Africans are raising difficult but valid questions,” he observed, acknowledging the reality of the situation. “These concerns deserve attention and redress.”

He clarified that only authorized officials are permitted to enforce laws relating to immigration and that individuals cannot confront others about their citizenship in public spaces.

In tandem, there is a need to address fears among migrants following a series of violent protests against illegal immigration. The group spearheading these protests, March and March, has issued ultimatums for undocumented immigrants to exit the country by a specified date or face consequences.

Countries with significant populations in South Africa, such as Mozambique and Malawi, have voiced concerns over the violence faced by their citizens and have taken steps to facilitate the repatriation of those who feel threatened.

An Ethiopian immigrant shared, “Every day, it’s extreme fear.” Emphasizing that concerns extend beyond legal status, he articulated that legal documents can’t guarantee safety from violence.

Official data shows that while the foreign-born population in South Africa has surged in the past three decades, it still constitutes less than 4% of the total population, standing at under 2.5 million.

Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, a leader in March & March, claims these numbers are grossly understated, estimating the migrant population could be between 15 million and 30 million, framing it as an “invasion” that forces South Africans into a state of refugee status within their own nation.

In his address, Ramaphosa warned against exploiting public fears about illegal immigration for political or personal gains, asserting there is no room for xenophobia or intolerance in South Africa.