IMMIGRATION CRACKDOWN: Government defends tough migration crackdown amid increasing anti-foreigner sentiment (opens original article in a new tab)

The South African government defended its strict migration crackdown, citing increased anti-foreigner sentiment and implementing measures like border security upgrades and anti-corruption campaigns. Officials reported significant arrests of undocumented immigrants and addressed humanitarian crises in Durban, while condemning xenophobic protests and disinformation.

• President Ramaphosa announced a five-point plan to tackle irregular immigration, including zero tolerance for law violators and strengthening border security.
• The government reported over 40,000 arrests of undocumented people since January 2026 and deployed advanced technologies to intercept illegal crossings.
• Minister Kubayi addressed anti-foreigner sentiment, rejecting xenophobic rhetoric and warning against citizen-led immigration checks and vigilantism.