The overall situation regarding migration management in South Africa has significantly improved since the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) last reported on progress in implementing the Five-Point Plan on Migration Management.
Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi made the assessment on Tuesday when providing an update on government’s efforts to implement the plan announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa on 7 June 2026.
“The situation has significantly improved since then and on behalf of government and the entire team that is hard at work in implementing these interventions, we would like to appreciate and thank the support of all role players, including the fraternity of non-governmental organisations, who continue to support our efforts in this regard.
“We also want to thank the people of South Africa, who continue to heed our call for conducting peaceful protests, [with] vital cooperation with law enforcement authorities,” Kubayi said.
The Five-Point Plan is aimed at restoring public confidence, strengthening the rule of law, protecting South Africa’s borders, modernising migration systems and enhancing cooperation with regional and international partners.
Government has reported progress across the five areas, including intensified law enforcement operations, strengthened border management, reforms to the immigration system, legislative and policy interventions, and increased cooperation with neighbouring countries.
More than 350 000 inspections conducted
As part of the crackdown on migration violations, multidisciplinary law enforcement operations have targeted illegal border crossings, fraudulent documentation, labour exploitation, human trafficking networks, illegal mining operations and other forms of organised crime linked to migration vulnerabilities.
To date, 205 cases have been registered, with 354 people arrested and 123 cases on the court roll.
More than 350 000 inspections have also been conducted across industries and sectors, including factories, supermarkets and spaza shops.
Government said a number of businesses were found to be non-compliant with labour and health-related standards and legal requirements, particularly in relation to the employment of undocumented migrants.
Government has warned employers to comply with the law and desist from deliberately employing undocumented migrants.
To bolster enforcement capacity, 6 317 labour inspectors have been finalised for multidisciplinary law enforcement operations, comprising 4 017 interns recruited and 2 300 inspectors released for joint blitz operations.
A further 301 Department of Home Affairs Immigration Inspector posts have been advertised, with recruitment expected to be finalised by the end of September.
Strengthening the regulatory environment
Government is also progressing with reforms affecting small businesses, particularly spaza shops.
Thirty-four municipalities have adopted the Standard Draft By-laws for Township and Rural Economies, while 105 have adopted them through council resolutions and 21 are in the process of adoption.
The Business Licensing Bill was presented to the National Economic Development and Labour Council (NEDLAC) in June 2026 and seeks to reserve certain businesses to citizens.
Government has also acted against the abuse of the Traffic Register Number system. All dormant Traffic Register Numbers that could not be verified were cancelled as of 4 September 2026. A Traffic Register Number is a temporary identification number used in South Africa's National Transport Information System to allow foreign nationals and non-legal entities to conduct lawful road traffic and vehicle-licensing transactions.
“These operations demonstrate government's zero-tolerance approach to criminality, irrespective of nationality, while ensuring that all enforcement actions are undertaken within the framework of the law and respect for human rights,” Kubayi said. – SAnews.gov.za
