South Africa Plans Digital ID System to Tighten Migration Control

Speaking during a national address on migration and illegal immigration, Ramaphosa said the new register would provide a reliable way to verify identities and support the introduction of a Digital ID system.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced a major overhaul of the country's identity management system, including the creation of an Intelligent Population Register that will contain biometric information for every person living in South Africa. The initiative forms part of a broader government strategy to strengthen migration management, improve identity verification and reduce fraud.

Speaking during a national address on migration and illegal immigration, Ramaphosa said the new register would provide a reliable way to verify identities and support the introduction of a Digital ID system. Authorities believe the use of biometric data will make it more difficult for criminal networks to exploit weaknesses in existing identification systems.

The President also confirmed that South Africa will gradually phase out the green barcoded identity book, which has been in use for decades. According to him, the document has become vulnerable to misuse by undocumented immigrants and criminal syndicates involved in identity theft and fraud. The Department of Home Affairs will announce a deadline after which the green ID books will no longer be accepted as valid identification.

New Rules Planned to Stop Misuse of Traffic Registration Numbers

The government is also targeting the misuse of Traffic Registration Numbers (TRNs), which are issued to foreign nationals who need to register or purchase vehicles in South Africa. While these numbers were introduced for vehicle-related transactions, authorities have found that they are increasingly being used as an alternative form of identification.

Ramaphosa said this practice has created weaknesses within the country's identification framework and contributed to administrative challenges. To address the issue, the Department of Transport has been instructed to introduce new regulations within the next three months. The changes will align vehicle registration procedures with existing identification laws and prevent TRNs from being used for purposes beyond their intended function.

Officials believe the reforms will strengthen oversight while ensuring that identification systems remain accurate and secure.

Migration Reforms Paired With Stronger Enforcement Measures

The identity reforms are part of a wider Comprehensive Approach for Migration Management approved by Cabinet last week. The strategy includes stricter enforcement of immigration and labour laws, stronger border security, anti-corruption measures within the immigration system and amendments to citizenship and migration legislation.

In his weekly newsletter following the address, Ramaphosa acknowledged growing public concern about illegal immigration and its perceived impact on employment opportunities, public services and crime. He said the government is responding to these concerns through lawful and structured measures rather than actions that could undermine constitutional rights.

The President emphasized that South Africa's response will remain guided by the Constitution, the rule of law and international obligations. He also cautioned against blaming all foreign nationals for problems linked to illegal immigration, noting that most migrants living in the country are law-abiding residents.

Ramaphosa said the new identity management measures, combined with stronger border controls and legislative reforms, are intended to ensure that everyone living, working and doing business in South Africa does so legally while protecting social cohesion and human dignity.