South Africa’s New Immigration Law: Magistrates Must See Illegal Foreign Nationals Within 48 Hours

South Africa has introduced a major reform in its immigration system. Any illegal foreign national detained in the country must now appear before a magistrate within 48 hours. This change aims to ensure judicial oversight, accountability, and constitutional compliance in deportation cases.

The reform addresses long-standing issues such as administrative delays, prolonged detentions, and costly unlawful detention claims that have burdened taxpayers for years. By requiring a magistrate review, the law ensures that detentions are lawful, transparent, and fair.

Key points of the reform:

• Mandatory magistrate review within 48 hours of detention
• Aligns immigration enforcement with constitutional standards
• Creates a legal record for accountability and reduces costly errors

📺 Watch the full video above for a complete breakdown  of the changes and what they mean for South Africa.