SIHMA Press Review for May 2025
South Africa
29 May 2025
Republic of South Africa
Cabinet approves National Labour Migration Policy 2025 White Paper
The National Labour Migration Policy (NLMP) White Paper 2025 has been approved by the South African Cabinet to regulate the movement and employment of foreign nationals. The policy introduces employment quotas for documented foreign workers in key industries such as agriculture, hospitality, and construction, while also restricting business visas and limiting foreign ownership of small enterprises. It aims to balance local job opportunities amid rising unemployment and perceptions of foreign labour market competition. Additionally, the Employment Services Amendment Bill provides legal backing for regulating immigrant employment, ensuring businesses prioritise South African workers. While the policy seeks to attract skilled professionals ("brain gain") and address emigration ("brain drain"), it has sparked debate over its economic impact and inclusivity.
27 May 2025
Daily Maverick
Xenophobia flare-up as hundreds of foreign migrant workers evacuated from Addo after murders
A tragic incident in Valencia, near Addo, has led to violent xenophobic attacks following the fatal stabbing of 22-year-old Juanne September, allegedly by foreign migrant workers. The murder sparked outrage in the community, leading to revenge attacks where three foreign nationals were beaten and stabbed to death. Hundreds of migrant workers were forced to flee, with over 500 seeking refuge at the local police station. Authorities, including the South African Police Service and disaster management teams, have stepped in to provide emergency assistance, relocating women and children to shelters. The situation remains tense, with a heavy police presence and ongoing investigations into multiple cases of murder and attempted murder. The Consortium for Refugees and Migrants in South Africa has urged authorities to address underlying tensions between locals and foreign nationals to prevent further violence.
23 May 2025
IOL
Home Affairs unveils 'Operation New Broom' to combat illegal immigration
Operation New Broom is a newly launched initiative by South Africa’s Minister of Home Affairs, Dr. Leon Schreiber, aimed at tackling illegal immigration through advanced technology. The operation, which began with the arrest of 25 undocumented individuals in Cape Town’s District 6, uses biometric verification, including fingerprint and facial recognition scans, to confirm immigration status and detect fraudulent documentation. This approach is designed to strengthen legal cases and streamline deportation processes while reducing reliance on paper-based records. Minister Schreiber emphasised that the initiative aligns with the government’s commitment to the rule of law and is part of a broader digital transformation within the Department of Home Affairs and the Border Management Authority. The operation is set to expand across urban areas nationwide.
16 May 2025
IOL
More than 12 000 foreign nationals awaiting trial amid overcrowding crisis
South Africa’s Correctional Services Minister, Pieter Groenewald, has revealed that 12,037 foreign nationals are currently awaiting trial in the country’s prisons for violating the Immigration Act. These individuals make up 19% of the remand population, which totals 61,000 detainees. The country’s prisons are facing overcrowding, with 104,000 sentenced prisoners housed in facilities designed for 108,000 beds. Groenewald stated that no bilateral agreements exist with neighbouring countries to facilitate the transfer of sentenced foreign offenders due to a lack of enabling domestic legislation. Efforts are underway to amend the Criminal Procedure Act to allow for the deportation of undocumented foreign nationals. The Department of Home Affairs is responsible for identifying foreign nationals in detention and initiating deportation processes.
Southern Africa
14 May 2025
Mail Guardian
Undocumented migrants put pressure on SA – but there are ways to manage it
South Africa is at a crossroads in its approach to undocumented migration, facing challenges in legal systems, social cohesion, and public services. While migrants contribute to the economy, undocumented migration strains healthcare, education, and employment opportunities, fueling resentment and xenophobic violence. The dysfunction within the Department of Home Affairs exacerbates the issue, with inefficiencies in asylum processing and border management. Despite claims that undocumented migrants drive crime, data suggests they are often victims rather than perpetrators. Addressing the issue requires modernizing immigration laws, improving border security, creating legal migration pathways, and fostering regional cooperation. A balanced approach that upholds sovereignty while ensuring humane treatment is essential for South Africa’s future.
27 May 2025
VisaNews
Namibia welcomes over 70,000 visitors since launch of new visa policy
Namibia has introduced a new visa policy requiring nationals from 33 countries to obtain a visa before entering the country, effective April 1, 2025. This reform aims to promote reciprocity, ensuring fair treatment between nations while maintaining Namibia’s accessibility to international visitors. The new system has already welcomed over 70,000 travellers and generated N$100 million in revenue. The Ministry of Home Affairs has defended the efficiency of the visa process, citing real-time border control data that contradicts claims of delays. Additionally, Namibia has streamlined its e-visa system, eliminating unnecessary paperwork and revising visa fees to accommodate families and African nationals. The government remains committed to secure and transparent immigration management while fostering tourism and economic growth.
16 May 2025
ProAgri
Rural-urban migration impacts agriculture in Namibia
Rural-urban migration in Namibia has accelerated since independence in 1990, particularly from northern regions to cities like Windhoek, Rundu, and Walvis Bay. This shift is driven by climate change, economic hardships, and lack of agricultural resources, forcing people to seek better opportunities in urban areas. However, migration has weakened rural economies, reducing agricultural productivity and increasing reliance on food imports. Young people and farmers leaving rural areas diminish farming expertise, affecting food security and Namibia’s economy.
The government is addressing these challenges by investing N$561 million in agricultural infrastructure and promoting local food production to reduce urban dependency. Experts advocate for coordinated efforts among institutions to support rural development, improve market access, and retain skilled labor in agriculture.
02 May 2025
Club of Mozambique
Mozambique, Malawi inch closer to new border pass system
Mozambique and Malawi, with support from the International Organization for Migration (IOM), are advancing the implementation of a border pass system to facilitate small-scale cross-border trade and promote safe, efficient mobility. The initiative, part of the World Bank-funded Southern Africa Trade and Connectivity Project (SATCP), aims to simplify crossing procedures for traders—many of whom are women and young entrepreneurs—while reinforcing national security and economic priorities.
The system will be introduced at four key border crossings along the Nacala and Beira corridors, including Dedza-Calomué, Mwanza-Zobué, Muloza-Milange, and Marka-Vila Nova de Fronteira. It is designed to reduce trade costs, bureaucratic hurdles, and processing times, while also supporting efforts to combat migrant smuggling, human trafficking, and illicit trade. Officials from both countries emphasize that the project strengthens regional integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and enhances economic opportunities for local traders.
Link:https://clubofmozambique.com/news/mozambique-malawi-inch-closer-to-new-border-pass-system-281405/
Africa
19 May 2025
Africa News
Malema slams 'drama' around Afrikaner migration to U.S: 'It's fiction'
EFF leader Julius Malema has dismissed claims of widespread violence against white Afrikaner farmers in South Africa, calling them "fiction" and "drama." He refuted reports that 49 Afrikaners had fled to the U.S. due to persecution, arguing that if they had abandoned farms, those lands should be expropriated. Malema’s remarks come after former U.S. President Donald Trump alleged that Afrikaners were facing "genocide," a claim strongly denied by South Africa’s government and experts. The government maintains that Afrikaners remain among the country’s wealthiest and most successful citizens. Malema has long advocated for land reform, a stance that has drawn international scrutiny and criticism.
16 May 2025
Aljazeera
‘Xenophobic’: Neighbours outraged over Mauritania’s mass migrant pushback
Mauritania has intensified deportations of West African migrants, forcibly sending hundreds to Senegal and Mali, including individuals with legal residency permits. The government claims these pushbacks are necessary to combat human smuggling, but human rights groups report detainees facing harsh conditions, including overcrowded cells and mistreatment. Mali and Senegal have condemned the deportations, calling them violations of human rights. The European Union has funded Mauritania’s border security efforts, aiming to curb migration to Spain’s Canary Islands. Meanwhile, Black Mauritanians fear the deportations may target them, recalling past forced expulsions that left thousands stateless. The situation remains tense, with concerns over racial discrimination and regional stability.
07 May 2025
BBC
Mourning mother's anger at Kenyan migrant smugglers
A tragic incident on Lake Turkana highlights the dangers of human smuggling, as Eritrean teenager Hiyab drowned while attempting to reach Kenya via a new migrant route. Her mother, Senait Mebrehtu, mourned her loss, blaming smugglers for overcrowding boats and disregarding safety. The lake has become a key crossing point for migrants fleeing Eritrea, Ethiopia, and Somalia, with traffickers exploiting desperate families. Survivors recount harrowing experiences, including hunger, abuse, and deception by smugglers. The growing use of Lake Turkana for illegal migration underscores the risks faced by those seeking refuge.
07 May 2025
Amnesty International
Tunisia: Year-long arbitrary detention of human rights defenders working with refugees and migrants
Tunisian authorities have intensified their crackdown on civil society, arresting human rights defenders, NGO workers, and former officials who provided assistance to refugees and migrants. Since May 2024, at least three NGOs have been raided, with multiple staff members detained under accusations of aiding irregular migration. Amnesty International and other rights groups have condemned these arrests as politically motivated and harmful to humanitarian efforts. The crackdown follows xenophobic rhetoric from top officials, including President Kais Saied, who labelled migrant workers as “traitors.” The situation has led to the suspension of vital services for refugees and migrants, exacerbating their vulnerability. Tunisia’s Interior Minister has further fuelled tensions by warning against demographic shifts, contributing to rising racist violence against Black migrants. International organisations continue to call for the immediate release of detained activists and an end to the criminalisation of humanitarian work.
International
20 May 2025
Rfi
EU moves to loosen restrictions on sending asylum seekers to third countries
The European Commission has proposed expanding the safe third country concept, allowing EU member states to redirect asylum seekers to non-EU nations deemed safe, even if they have no prior connection to those countries. The revised framework lowers the threshold for what constitutes a genuine connection, meaning mere transit through a country could justify deportation. Additionally, bilateral agreements could enable removals without appeal suspending deportations.
This move follows broader EU efforts to tighten asylum procedures, including a list of "safe" origin countries that makes it harder for citizens from places like Morocco and Tunisia to claim asylum. While some view the proposal as a practical solution to migratory pressure, human rights groups warn it could undermine asylum rights and increase risks for vulnerable individuals. The proposal still requires approval from the European Parliament and member states before becoming law.
15 May 2025
NBC News
U.S. deportation tracker: Counting arrests, detentions and border crossings
Since taking office, the Trump administration has pursued mass deportations, with ICE arrests doubling and border crossings declining. While officials claim to prioritize deporting criminals, ICE data shows that half of those deported in February had no criminal records. Deportation numbers have steadily increased, with 11,000 removals in February, 12,300 in March, and 17,200 in April. However, the administration has faced criticism for its lack of transparency, as deportation figures are not regularly released. Meanwhile, 435,000 undocumented immigrants with criminal convictions remain identified but not necessarily in custody. The administration continues to push for higher daily arrest targets, aiming for 3,000 per day.
12 May 2025
The New York Times
White South Africans Granted Refugee Status by Trump Arrive in the U.S.
The Trump administration has granted refugee status to a group of white South Africans, primarily Afrikaners, citing claims of racial persecution and violence. This decision has sparked controversy, as South African police data does not support allegations of mass killings targeting white farmers. The U.S. government expedited their applications, resettling 59 individuals in states like Iowa, Idaho, and New York. South Africa’s government has strongly denied the claims, arguing that Afrikaners remain economically privileged. The move has also drawn criticism for prioritizing Afrikaners while suspending refugee admissions for other groups fleeing war and persecution.
12 May 2025
IOM
IOM Spokesperson: Statement On Assisted Voluntary Return (AVR) of Migrants in the United States
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is assisting migrants in the U.S. who voluntarily choose to return to their countries of origin through its Assisted Voluntary Return (AVR) program. This initiative, requested by the U.S. government, ensures that individuals lacking resources or legal options can return safely and with dignity. IOM emphasizes that it does not facilitate deportations, engaging only after migrants provide informed consent. The program aims to help migrants navigate complex immigration systems while making meaningful choices about their future.
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