The government says it is intensifying efforts to combat illegal migration, strengthen border security, and enforce immigration laws, with more than 40,000 undocumented immigrants arrested since January 2026.
Speaking during a media briefing, Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mamoloko Kubayi, provided an update on progress made by the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) established by President Cyril Ramaphosa to coordinate government’s response to migration challenges.
The committee, which includes several government departments such as Home Affairs, Police, Defence, Employment and Labour, International Relations, Basic Education and Higher Education, was established following the President’s national address on migration issues last Sunday.
Kubayi said government is implementing a five-point strategy aimed at strengthening border security, enforcing the rule of law, combating corruption within the immigration system, preventing violence and lawlessness, and reviewing migration legislation.
“We want to reassure all South Africans that government is firmly in control and actively managing the challenge of illegal migration,” she said.
Increased Border Security
The Minister revealed that the Border Management Authority (BMA) has deployed advanced technology, including drones and body-worn cameras, to improve border surveillance and intercept illegal border crossings.
Authorities recently intercepted nine Bangladeshi nationals attempting to enter South Africa through fraudulent visas at OR Tambo International Airport.
In another operation at Beitbridge Border Post, officials seized a large consignment of chemicals used in the production of illegal drugs with an estimated street value of nearly R1 billion.
The BMA has also introduced additional roadblocks and checkpoints along major routes leading to ports of entry to prevent unlawful crossings.
Thousands of illegal immigrants arrested
Government has intensified multidisciplinary operations involving Home Affairs, SAPS and the Department of Employment and Labour across Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape.
In Mossel Bay, authorities arrested 15 foreign nationals during inspections at construction sites, while a separate operation in Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal, resulted in the arrest of an employer accused of illegally employing undocumented migrants. Similar operations in Tshwane led to 35 arrests, including employers found to be violating immigration laws.
According to government figures, more than 7,400 undocumented immigrants were arrested during the past month alone, while over 40,000 arrests have been made nationwide since the beginning of the year.
Authorities also reported 143 arrests related to the incitement of violence.
Repatriation Efforts Underway
The IMC recently visited sites in eThekwini where Malawian nationals had gathered for voluntary repatriation to their home country.
Government said approximately 457 people were accommodated at one site, while an estimated 7,000 Malawian citizens were located at another.
The Malawian government has deployed eight buses to transport its citizens home, with South Africa providing an additional 10 buses to assist the process.
Officials confirmed that 980 Malawian nationals were deported from the Lindela Repatriation Centre on 10 June as part of ongoing immigration enforcement efforts.
Government also confirmed that Ghana and Nigeria are working with South African authorities to facilitate the return of their citizens.
Individuals found to have overstayed their visas or remained in the country unlawfully are being declared undesirable persons and barred from re-entering South Africa for five years.
Court at Lindela to Speed Up Deportations
Kubayi announced that plans to re-establish a court at the Lindela Repatriation Centre are at an advanced stage and are expected to be completed within a month.
A specialised court dealing with immigration matters is also being established, with the Airports Company South Africa providing space for the facility.
Government believes these measures will significantly speed up deportation processe.
The IMC has developed an implementation plan focusing on improving border infrastructure, reviewing asylum and refugee procedures, enhancing access to social services, and regulating small businesses and the informal sector.
Government will begin consultations with various stakeholders, including Chapter 9 institutions and traditional leaders, to discuss migration-related concerns and gather feedback on planned interventions.
Warning Against Vigilantism and Misinformation
Government cautioned South Africans against taking immigration enforcement into their own hands, stressing that only law enforcement agencies have the legal authority to conduct identity checks and immigration inspections.
Kubayi also warned against the spread of misinformation and manipulated content on social media, saying such campaigns are often designed to incite violence and fuel tensions against foreign nationals.
While acknowledging public concerns about the impact of irregular migration on jobs and public services, government reiterated that all protests must remain peaceful and within the confines of the law.
“South Africa remains a country governed by the rule of law,” Kubayi said. “We call on all South Africans to reject vigilantism, dismiss misinformation and work with government as we restore stability to our communities.”
The government has also urged undocumented immigrants to comply with immigration laws and called on employers to stop hiring workers who do not have the necessary legal documentation to work in South Africa.
