Tuesday, 30 June 2026, was a day that the country approached with apprehension. Understandably so. With memories of the July 2021 unrest still fresh, planned marches against undocumented foreign nationals carried the real risk of triggering widespread violence and chaos. 

Thankfully, that did not happen.

While the threats have not entirely dissipated and public anxiety has not completely subsided, the relative calm presents an opportunity to move the national conversation away from fear, confrontation and vigilantism towards a far more important question: how do we build an immigration system that protects the rule of law, commands public confidence and acknowledges South Africa's economic realities? 

Are our borders and Home Affairs officials acting in the best interest of South Africa? Which means jail time for corrupt officials but also that proud Home Affairs officials should be praised for professionalism and expediency when allowing foreigners to enter South Africa as a destination of choice for business, leisure and work.

The Risk of Overlooking Complex Issues Driving Public Frustration

Many South Africans have genuine concerns. High unemployment, increasing pressure on public services, organised crime, weak border management and prolonged delays in immigration administration have all contributed to declining public confidence in government's ability to effectively manage migration.

These concerns deserve to be heard.

However, there is an equally important distinction that cannot be ignored: legitimate unease about immigration management can never justify vigilantism, violence or the targeting of individuals based solely on their nationality. The enforcement of immigration law rests exclusively with the State. Once communities begin taking the law into their own hands, the rule of law itself becomes the casualty. President Cyril Ramaphosa has reiterated this principle while condemning the recent attacks and warning against any vigilante action.

History has taught us that periods of anti-foreign national unrest have emerged whenever economic pressures intensify. While the immediate triggers differ, the underlying causes remain remarkably consistent: unemployment, inequality, weak service delivery, slow economic growth and a widespread perception that immigration is poorly managed.

This creates a dangerous environment where migrants, many of whom are legally present, economically active and contributing to our economy, become an easy target for frustrations that originate elsewhere.

Immigration Is an Economic Policy, Not Just a Security Issue

The reality is that immigration policy cannot be viewed through a purely security lens. It is fundamentally an economic policy.

South Africa competes globally for investment, scarce skills and international business. Our ability to attract highly skilled professionals, entrepreneurs and investors is directly linked to investor confidence in the country's governance, stability and regulatory certainty.

Images of violence against foreign nationals do not simply make international headlines, they influence boardroom decisions.

Global companies considering investment into South Africa carefully assess political stability, the safety of their employees, and whether government institutions are capable of administering predictable immigration processes. The reputational damage caused by repeated episodes of unrest extends well beyond tourism. It affects foreign direct investment, regional trade, talent attraction and ultimately job creation.

Government itself has acknowledged that violence and threats against foreign nationals are damaging South Africa's international reputation and relationships across the continent.

Modern Immigration Governance Requires Effective Implementation

This is precisely why South Africa needs a modern, credible and effectively administered immigration system.

Encouragingly, government has already embarked on important reforms. Over the past two years we have seen the introduction of the Trusted Employer Scheme, Remote Work Visa, points-based work visa reforms and a broader policy review through the White Paper on Citizenship, Immigration and Refugee Protection. These initiatives demonstrate a recognition that immigration must support economic growth while strengthening compliance and enforcement.

Yet policy reform alone is not enough. One can argue that policy reform is not the burning building. Business needs faster correct visas for foreign investment and to promote South Africa as a destination of choice. Society demands rule of law being enforced, meaning that illegal foreigners are not the norm. Both these serve the same interest and objectives – a proud Home Affairs fully supported by all branches of government.  

When correct permits are issued on a timely basis, business confidence improves. Where enforcement is visible and consistent, public confidence strengthens. We are on the same side here: South Africa’s side and a society who welcomes foreigners, provided they comply with our laws and respect that they are visitors here.

Employers Have a Critical Role in Immigration Compliance

We find ourselves in a period of increased focus on employers who have foreign nationals in their employment. The position also extends beyond just employment, to doing business with illegal foreigners. The model adopted is often to engage foreigners on an independent contractor basis and this perceived loophole requires attention.

As part of a sustainable response to immigration challenges, employers and business should take proactive steps to verify and maintain the legal status of all foreign employees, protecting both their organisations and their workforce through comprehensive and regular immigration compliance reviews.

Importantly, the law places the responsibility squarely on employers and business to ensure the legal status of their workforce. In this environment, immigration compliance can no longer be treated as an administrative afterthought but must form part of ongoing governance and risk management within organisations. 

The law needs to be enforced in the same manner as the South African Revenue Service (SARS) – non-compliance comes at too great a risk and is very costly.

Rejecting False Choices, Building Lasting Solutions

South Africa has an opportunity to approach this moment differently.

We should reject the false choice between protecting South African interests and welcoming international talent. The two are not mutually exclusive.

A well-managed immigration system protects national security, supports economic development, attracts investment, addresses critical skills shortages and ensures compliance with our laws. It also reinforces one of the most fundamental principles of any constitutional democracy, that disputes are resolved through institutions, not intimidation.

As someone who works daily with employers, investors, highly skilled professionals and wealth foreigners, I can say with confidence that there is a shared objective: a country with secure borders, efficient immigration systems, effective enforcement and respect for the rule of law.

That objective should unite us, not divide us.

South Africa should not allow moments such as these to be reduced to yet another cycle of fear and violence. Instead, it should serve as the catalyst for building an immigration system that commands public confidence, supports economic growth and reflects the constitutional values upon which our democracy is founded.

Like all countries around the world, the great majority of South Africa, especially business, gives the friendliest welcome to foreigners, but they must please respect our laws.

Written by Marisa Jacobs, Managing Director of Xpatweb