Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli has called for tougher immigration regulations to address the surge of undocumented foreigners in South Africa, citing high crime and unemployment rates as consequences of their presence.
Speaking at the Reed Dance ceremony in Ingwavuma, Ntuli advocated for the deportation of illegal immigrants, allowing them to return only with proper documentation.
This stance comes as KwaZulu-Natal grapples with the challenges posed by illegal immigration. Recently, police arrested over 120 undocumented foreign nationals in Durban Central, highlighting the need for action.
The provincial government has pledged to tackle the issue, with Ntuli affirming that a plan is in place to curb the influx of illegal immigrants and mitigate its negative impacts.
“[The government] is [launching] a campaign to deal with [the problem]. We want them [illegal persons] to return to their countries of birth and only return to SA legally. We’re not being xenophobic,” he said.
Ntuli surmised many were exploited by their employers, who chose to hire foreigners over citizens due to cheaper labour.
“Illegal foreigners are paid peanuts while [South Africans] are unemployed … [And so], the community safety department will lead the plan to enforce the necessary measures to fight against undocumented foreigners.”
