Kenyans in South Africa Brace for Tougher Immigration Rules Under New Government Reforms

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced a wide-ranging overhaul of the country’s immigration system, including stricter enforcement measures, expanded workplace inspections and the introduction of biometric identity documents.

The reforms, announced during a national address on 7 June, come as migration remains a major political and social issue in South Africa. The changes are expected to affect thousands of foreign nationals living and working in the country, including members of the Kenyan community. 

Officials said the measures are intended to strengthen the immigration system and ensure that entry into South Africa takes place through legal and properly documented channels. Ramaphosa said secure borders are a fundamental responsibility of government and do not amount to a rejection of regional movement. 

He said authorities must be able to identify people entering the country, understand the purpose of their visit and monitor the length of their stay. According to the president, the reforms are part of a broader effort to improve compliance with immigration laws and restore confidence in the administration of the system.

A key element of the plan is a stronger crackdown on undocumented migration. Employers who repeatedly hire people without legal status could face tougher penalties, including possible prison sentences. The government also plans to increase workplace inspections, particularly in industries where undocumented labour is believed to be common. 

To support these efforts, authorities have begun recruiting 10,000 inspectors to enforce labour and immigration regulations. The reforms also include changes to identity management. South Africa plans to replace the paper-based green identity book with biometric digital identity cards. 

The transition will apply to both citizens and legally documented migrants. Officials said the new system will improve security and reduce opportunities for fraud.

The government is also investing in stronger border surveillance, improved infrastructure and additional staff at major points of entry. 

Refugee reception centres are expected to be moved closer to border areas to improve the processing of asylum applications and strengthen oversight of new arrivals. In addition, authorities plan to establish a biometric-based Intelligent Population Register to improve record-keeping and reduce identity-related fraud.

The administration is seeking to speed up the resolution of immigration disputes through specialised courts dedicated to migration-related cases. Officials said the courts will help reduce case backlogs and improve the efficiency of legal proceedings. 

The government is also planning anti-corruption operations targeting officials accused of facilitating illegal entry, issuing fraudulent documents or engaging in other misconduct within immigration institutions. The announcement comes amid growing tensions over migration in parts of South Africa. 

Recent anti-immigration demonstrations have reflected concerns among some citizens who believe undocumented migration contributes to unemployment and places pressure on healthcare, education and other public services. In some cases, protests have reportedly turned violent, raising concerns among foreign communities and diplomatic missions.

Several African governments have responded by assisting affected citizens. Kenya’s diplomatic mission in Pretoria has urged Kenyans living in South Africa to remain vigilant following demonstrations and isolated incidents involving foreign nationals earlier this year.

Ramaphosa rejected claims that migrants are solely responsible for South Africa’s economic and social challenges. He said weaknesses within the immigration system have contributed to many of the current problems and argued that reform is necessary to address them.