In recent remarks to the National Assembly, President Ramaphosa made clear that the government intends to take a tougher line on employers hiring undocumented foreign nationals. He emphasised that those who employ undocumented migrants are breaking South Africa’s laws and face “fines or prison” under the Immigration Act (No 13 of 2002).
Ramaphosa framed his statements in two parts: one, the need to protect South African workers and the integrity of the labour market; and two, to encourage legal and skills-based migration by foreigners who are properly documented and bring needed expertise. He said that the presence of undocumented foreign nationals places “a great deal of strain” on public services and national security.
To strengthen enforcement, the President pointed to several measures: the establishment of the Border Management Authority (BMA), deployment of some 600 border guards at vulnerable border points, use of drones and body-cameras at border posts, and the rollout of an electronic travel-authorisation system. He said that more than 51,000 undocumented migrants were deported in the past financial year.
On the labour aspect, Ramaphosa stressed that hiring undocumented foreign nationals is a criminal offence. He noted that an Employment Services Amendment Bill had been introduced which includes quotas on foreign national employment and joint labour/Home Affairs inspections.
At the same time, Ramaphosa was careful to draw a distinction between undocumented migrants and foreign nationals who are legally present. He said the country “welcomes people who are documented … because we need their skills, their know-how, and the investment they bring into our country.”
He also cautioned against vigilantism and xenophobic responses. While acknowledging South Africans’ concerns that foreign nationals may be accessing jobs meant for citizens or placing burdens on services, he emphasised that “we should not allow vigilante acts targeting foreign nationals … these do not solve the problem and undermine the rule of law.”
Ramaphosa’s remarks come at a time when South Africa is grappling with high unemployment (estimated above 30 %) and persistent public concerns about competition for jobs and pressure on social services. By prioritising enforcement of immigration and employment laws, the administration is signaling greater focus on protecting the domestic labour market.
The dual message is clear: on one hand, address undocumented employment; on the other, still promote legal migration of skilled foreign nationals. This reflects a pragmatic approach: the economy needs skills, investment and labour, but the governance and rule-of-law aspects of migration must be maintained.
The use of modern technology (drones, body-cams, electronic travel authorization) at borders underscores an intent to move beyond rhetoric into operational enforcement. The government’s claim of over 51,000 deportations in one year indicates that the issue is being treated as a national priority.
However, challenges remain. The government must balance enforcement with ensuring that legitimate skills-based migration continues, and avoid stoking xenophobic sentiment among citizens. Ramaphosa’s warning against vigilantism is therefore significant: South Africa has faced recurring anti-migrant protests and violence, making it vital for leadership to emphasise rule-of-law and social cohesion.
Another dimension is labour supply and demand: employers who turn to undocumented workers may do so because of cost-pressures or labour shortages in certain sectors, meaning that enforcement alone may not address underlying labour-market dynamics. The introduction of quotas on foreign employment signals the government’s intent to reserve certain jobs for South Africans first, which may bring further regulatory complexity for employers.
From a policy perspective, the message is clear: undocumented migration and employment will face significant penalties; documented, skilled migration remains acceptable and encouraged. The success of this approach will likely depend on how effectively enforcement is implemented, how employers adapt, and whether the economy can absorb more documented foreign workers without eroding opportunities for South Africans.
President Ramaphosa’s comments on hiring migrants reflect a shift toward stronger regulatory oversight of labour-migration and immigration in South Africa. By targeting employers of undocumented workers and reinforcing border and labour-market enforcement, the government is signalling it will act decisively. At the same time, the open door to documented, skilled migrants shows a continued recognition of the importance of international talent and investment. The balancing act will be in implementation: protecting domestic workers, maintaining a stable immigration system, and avoiding xenophobic fallout while promoting inclusive economic growth.
