Ramaphosa issues stern warning to employers hiring undocumented foreign nationals
In a forceful section of his 2026 State of the Nation Address (SONA), delivered an unequivocal warning to South African businesses: employers who bypass immigration laws to hire undocumented foreign nationals will face the “full might of the law.”
Delivering his address at Cape Town City Hall on February 12, President Cyril Ramaphosa framed the crackdown as part of a broader national effort to strengthen the rule of law, secure borders and protect economic stability.
“Illegal immigration poses a risk to our security, stability and economic progress,” Ramaphosa declared. “We will address this problem while ensuring that the fundamental human rights of every person in this country are upheld and protected.”
His remarks build on commitments outlined in previous addresses, including the full 2025 SONA speech highlights and key policy measures and earlier reform themes discussed in the 2021 SONA national response analysis.
“Full might of the law”
Ramaphosa’s warning was direct and without ambiguity:
“Employers that hire foreign nationals without the required visas will face the full might of the law.”
He confirmed that enforcement will not rely on rhetoric alone. Instead, the state is significantly expanding its oversight capacity.
“The police, Home Affairs and labour inspectors will work together to crack down on violations of existing immigration, labour and other laws.”
In a major operational shift, the President announced:
“To tighten enforcement, we will hire an additional 10,000 labour inspectors this year.”
The expansion effectively doubles inspectorate capacity and signals one of the most aggressive labour compliance drives in recent years.
Coordinated enforcement across Departments
Ramaphosa said enforcement would be coordinated across the Department of Employment and Labour, the Department of Home Affairs, and the South African Police Service (SAPS).
“The police, Home Affairs and labour inspectors will work together,” he said, underscoring that non-compliance will be met with coordinated action rather than isolated inspections.
The President stressed that the immigration crackdown is not intended to undermine constitutional protections.
“We will address this problem while ensuring that the fundamental human rights of every person in this country are upheld and protected.”
At the same time, he drew a firm line against vigilantism and violence targeting foreign nationals.
“We insist that the laws of our country must be observed by everyone. We will not tolerate violence and other acts of lawlessness directed at foreign nationals.”
Border security and technology upgrades
The illegal hiring crackdown forms part of a broader border and immigration reform programme.
“This year, we will take additional steps to secure our borders,” Ramaphosa said.
“Funding to strengthen border security will be prioritised, covering infrastructure, technology and people.”
He added:
“Key border posts will be redeveloped through public-private partnerships and will extend the Electronic Travel Authorisation to all international airports and the busiest land ports of entry.”
The President confirmed that technology is already being deployed more aggressively:
“We are already using drones and technology to greater effect all along our border line.”
For a broader overview of the Government of National Unity’s reform priorities, see the official Building a Society That Works – Programme of Action 2026 document.
Economic context: Growth, jobs and compliance
The immigration enforcement drive comes as Ramaphosa positions South Africa as a country rebuilding economic momentum.
“As we reflect on the state of our nation, we can say that we are stronger today than we were a year ago,” he told MPs.
“Our economy is growing again, and this growth is gathering pace.”
He highlighted four consecutive quarters of GDP growth, improved credit ratings, declining borrowing costs and renewed investor confidence.
But he acknowledged that unemployment remains a central concern.
“It is a matter of national concern that too many South Africans remain unemployed and too many young people struggle to find their first job.”
The administration argues that stricter labour compliance will protect lawful workers and prevent exploitation in vulnerable sectors such as hospitality, agriculture, construction and transport.
What employers must do now
With 10,000 additional labour inspectors expected to be deployed this year, businesses should urgently review:
- The visa and work permit status of all foreign national employees
- Employment contracts and compliance with the Basic Conditions of Employment Act
- Record-keeping and documentation systems
- Internal HR verification processes
Businesses operating in regulated sectors should also review broader compliance requirements outlined in our guide to legal business registration in South Africa.
Failure to comply, the President warned, will trigger consequences.
“We cannot fight organised criminals by treading softly. We must act with zero tolerance and bring the full force of the law to bear.”
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