Following the President's 7 June 2026 address, South Africa is rolling out its most far-reaching immigration enforcement framework in decades. Employers and foreign nationals alike need to act now.

What's changing

• Sector quotas for foreign workers are being introduced under the National Labour Migration Policy, with the Employment Services Amendment Bill set to give them legislative teeth.
• Employers face criminal prosecution, including company officers personally, for employing undocumented workers, backed by 10,000 new labour inspectors. Remember: the Immigration Act 13 of 2002 already presumes that an employer knew an employee was undocumented unless it can prove reasonable verification efforts.
• Dedicated immigration courts will fast-track deportations, which have already surged 46% over two years.
• Biometric entry requirements arrive in July 2026 under the expanded Electronic Travel Authorisation system, closing the door on anonymous visa overstays.

What employers should do now?

Audit your workforce's immigration status and document it. The good-faith defence depends on proof of verification. Assess your exposure to sector quotas, brief your board on personal liability risk, and prepare for unannounced inspections.

What foreign nationals should know

If your status has lapsed or is expiring, regularise immediately and get advice before approaching Home Affairs or attempting to depart. Asylum seeker and refugee rights under the Refugees Act remain fully in force.

And to be clear: the "30 June deadline" publicised by activist groups has no legal force. No private body can order anyone to leave South Africa. Constitutional protections apply to everyone in the country, and urgent court relief is available to anyone facing threats, unlawful eviction or unlawful detention.

How we can help

Our immigration team assists with compliance audits, inspection readiness, visa and permit applications, urgent court relief and regularisation. With the enforcement landscape shifting weekly, early advice is the best protection.