The administration links migration to economic strategies—faster growth, investment, industrial expansion, infrastructure, and job creation—while noting illegal migration is not the sole cause of economic challenges.

Measures target tightening immigration law enforcement, closing loopholes, reducing irregular entries, and cracking down on corruption within the system.

In a national address, the president calls for stricter enforcement of immigration laws to curb illegal migration and safeguard public services, while stressing that policy must balance security with rights.

He urges South Africans not to direct frustrations at foreigners, promoting peaceful, inclusive approaches and rejecting xenophobic narratives that harm social cohesion.

Officials disclosed that border authorities intercepted hundreds of thousands attempting to enter illegally last year and proposed deploying thousands of inspectors to enforce penalties.

The government insists on not tolerating vigilante actions or violence against foreigners and warns against blocking access to healthcare or education or spreading misinformation.

The plan includes relocating refugee reception centers to border posts and registering informal shops to regulate foreign-owned businesses, with quotas for foreign employment across sectors.

A biometric Intelligent Population Register and a move to digitize IDs will gradually replace green ID books to curb identity theft by undocumented migrants and criminal networks.

Ghana plans to seek redress from the African Union for losses suffered by its citizens amid the crisis, underscoring regional and international dimensions.

Policy measures include deportations of illegal migrants, stronger border controls, tougher penalties for employers hiring undocumented workers, expanded biometric screening at ports, and deeper cross-border cooperation.

The biometric national register and removal of green ID books aim to curb identity theft and enable future digital IDs for all residents.

Future policy will emphasize international cooperation and open but regulated migration, positioning South Africa as a destination for global talent and investment within a strengthened framework.