South Africa will establish a national biometric population register and phase out green identity books, as part of sweeping reforms to tighten migration controls and combat identity fraud.
President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the measures during a televised address to the nation on Sunday evening, outlining government’s response to growing public concerns about illegal immigration and its impact on jobs, public services and crime.
The Intelligent Population Register will contain biometric data for every person in the country and serve as the foundation for a new Digital ID system, replacing the current green barcoded identity book which authorities say has been exploited by criminal syndicates.
“We are establishing an Intelligent Population Register that contains biometric data for every person in the country, laying the foundation for a Digital ID,” Ramaphosa said.
The Department of Home Affairs will announce a deadline after which the green ID books will no longer be recognised as valid identification documents.
Government will also crack down on the misuse of Traffic Registration Numbers (TRNs), which are issued to foreign nationals for vehicle registration but have increasingly been used as substitute identity documents.
“We will end the abuse of the Traffic Registration Number, which foreign nationals require to register or buy vehicles, but which is being used as a form of identification,” the president said.
The Department of Transport has been directed to issue new regulations within three months to align vehicle registration processes with South Africa’s identification laws.
The reforms form part of a Comprehensive Approach for Migration Management adopted by Cabinet last week, which includes stronger enforcement of immigration and labour laws, improved border security and anti-corruption measures within the immigration system.
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In his weekly newsletter on Monday, Ramaphosa acknowledged that many South Africans had raised concerns about the perceived effects of illegal immigration on employment opportunities and social cohesion.
“We are responding to real concerns that communities have about the effects that unchecked illegal immigration has on jobs and economic opportunities,” he wrote.
The president stressed that government’s response would be guided by the Constitution, the rule of law and South Africa’s international obligations. He warned against allowing migration issues to fuel intolerance or violence, noting that the overwhelming majority of foreign nationals in the country were not involved in criminal activity.
“The task of managing migration belongs to all of us,” Ramaphosa said, adding that only authorised state officials may enforce immigration laws.
The new measures aim to ensure that everyone living, working and conducting business in South Africa does so lawfully whilst preserving the country’s commitment to human dignity and social cohesion.
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