Helen Zille’s Message to Undocumented Foreigners: Get Legal or Leave South Africa

Helen Zille has restated the Democratic Alliance’s (DA) tough position on illegal immigration. She says foreign nationals living in South Africa without valid documents must either take the legal steps to regularise their stay or leave the country.

Her remarks come at a time of growing public debate over immigration, border control, unemployment, crime and pressure on public services. Zille, who is the DA Federal Chairperson, has rejected suggestions that she supports letting undocumented foreign nationals stay in the country without restrictions. She says South Africa’s immigration laws must be respected and properly enforced.

At the same time, she has previously said that some foreign nationals, including holders of the Zimbabwe Exemption Permit (ZEP), should get a chance to obtain legal status through the proper immigration process. She believes that foreign nationals who contribute positively to the economy should have access to a working system that lets eligible people apply for lawful residence.

Her stance has become firmer in recent months. In March 2026, she called for undocumented foreign nationals to be arrested, prosecuted and deported, especially those allegedly involved in organised crime. She also raised concerns about illegal immigration in connection with hijacked buildings and criminal syndicates in Johannesburg.

In a June 2026 interview, Zille said that foreign nationals who are in South Africa legally must have their rights protected. Those without valid status, she said, must follow the prescribed legal procedures. She also made it clear that concerns about illegal immigration should never be used to justify violence, intimidation or xenophobic attacks.

The DA’s immigration policy points in the same direction. It calls for stronger border controls, proper enforcement of the Immigration Act, better immigration administration and respect for human rights.

In short, Zille is not asking for every undocumented foreign national to receive permanent residency automatically. She supports legal pathways for those who qualify, and she says people who cannot secure lawful status must leave through the established procedures.

Immigration is expected to remain a major political issue as concerns about border security, unemployment, crime and pressure on public resources continue.

https://x.com/zeema_kay/status/2118590865958744395

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