CAPE TOWN, June 25 (Xinhua) -- South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Thursday outlined a comprehensive immigration management plan amid rising anti-immigrant protests across the country, saying there is "no place for xenophobia."
Ramaphosa made the remarks in oral replies to questions in the National Council of Provinces in parliament on Thursday, as authorities grapple with public anger over illegal immigration and tensions that have in some areas escalated into violence.
"The government has identified illegal immigration as a significant challenge, which has implications for social cohesion, national security and the provision of services," he said.
He outlined five broad pillars of the government's response, including stronger law enforcement against immigration and labor violations, reinforced border security, reforms to the immigration and asylum system, legal and regulatory changes, and deeper cooperation with African countries.
According to Ramaphosa, enforcement agencies are stepping up identification and deportation of undocumented foreign nationals, with inspections of employers being increased and penalties strengthened for those violating immigration laws. Dedicated immigration courts are being established to handle cases more efficiently.
On regional relations, Ramaphosa said South Africa is working with affected countries and diplomatic missions to manage tensions linked to the protests, including through the deployment of special envoys to explain Pretoria's approach to migration.
He said migration could not be addressed by South Africa alone, describing it as a continental issue driven by conflict, unemployment and economic hardship, and called for coordinated responses through the African Union and the Southern African Development Community.
The president also reiterated that immigration enforcement remains a state responsibility and warned against individuals taking enforcement into their own hands. ■