News / National
South Africa launches countrywide blitz on illegal immigrants
3 hrs ago | Views
South Africa has announced a nationwide campaign to flush out illegal immigrants, citing economic pressures likely to be worsened by recent sanctions imposed by Donald Trump's United States government. The operation, set to commence on March 1, 2025, aims to enforce the country's immigration laws and curb the presence of undocumented foreign nationals.
In a statement dated February 25, 2025, South Africa's Home Affairs spokesperson, Siya Qoza, said the crackdown would primarily target illegal immigrants from Zimbabwe, Somalia, Ethiopia, Mozambique, Nigeria, and Malawi.
"The Department of Home Affairs, under the directive of the Honourable Minister, hereby informs all foreign nationals residing unlawfully in the Republic of South Africa of an impending national operation aimed at enforcing the country's immigration laws," the statement read.
"Effective from 1 March 2025, the department, in collaboration with relevant law enforcement agencies, will commence a nationwide operation to identify, arrest, detain, and deport all illegal foreign nationals who are in contravention of the Immigration Act No. 13 of 2002.
"Foreign nationals without valid documentation are strongly encouraged to regularise their stay or voluntarily depart the country before the commencement of the operation to avoid legal action. The Department of Home Affairs remains committed to a fair and lawful process and urges all stakeholders to respect the legal requirements governing residence and employment in South Africa."
South Africa has long grappled with migration challenges, with thousands of illegal immigrants, particularly from Zimbabwe, continuously entering the country in search of economic opportunities and escaping political instability.
According to 2019 statistics, South Africa was home to approximately 4.2 million international migrants, making up about 7.2% of the total population. Despite ongoing deportations, many undocumented immigrants manage to return, underscoring the complexities of border control and regional migration dynamics.
The upcoming operation is expected to reignite debates on immigration policy and its economic and social implications, with concerns over potential xenophobic violence and strained diplomatic relations with neighboring countries.
In a statement dated February 25, 2025, South Africa's Home Affairs spokesperson, Siya Qoza, said the crackdown would primarily target illegal immigrants from Zimbabwe, Somalia, Ethiopia, Mozambique, Nigeria, and Malawi.
"The Department of Home Affairs, under the directive of the Honourable Minister, hereby informs all foreign nationals residing unlawfully in the Republic of South Africa of an impending national operation aimed at enforcing the country's immigration laws," the statement read.
"Effective from 1 March 2025, the department, in collaboration with relevant law enforcement agencies, will commence a nationwide operation to identify, arrest, detain, and deport all illegal foreign nationals who are in contravention of the Immigration Act No. 13 of 2002.
South Africa has long grappled with migration challenges, with thousands of illegal immigrants, particularly from Zimbabwe, continuously entering the country in search of economic opportunities and escaping political instability.
According to 2019 statistics, South Africa was home to approximately 4.2 million international migrants, making up about 7.2% of the total population. Despite ongoing deportations, many undocumented immigrants manage to return, underscoring the complexities of border control and regional migration dynamics.
The upcoming operation is expected to reignite debates on immigration policy and its economic and social implications, with concerns over potential xenophobic violence and strained diplomatic relations with neighboring countries.
Source - online
