President Cyril Ramaphosa’s administration has acknowledged citizens’ concerns that illegal migration in South Africa is displacing locals from lucrative job opportunities in an effort to douse tensions amid rising xenophobic attacks.

“We are responding to real concerns communities have about the effects that unchecked illegal immigration has on jobs and economic opportunities,” a statement by the presidency stated on Monday. “We know that some companies employ – and exploit – undocumented foreign nationals in violation of the law.”

It added, “There is also a perception that spaza shops owned by foreign nationals are squeezing out local traders in communities.”

The presidency also addressed the speculation that illegal immigrants have overwhelmed hospitals and schools at the detriment of locals, saying that the perception was unfounded, given that foreigners “only account for a very small proportion of users” accessing those facilities.

While Mr Ramaphosa’s administration acknowledged that people have often linked crimes like illegal mining and drug trafficking to illegal immigration, it said: “The overwhelming majority of foreign nationals in South Africa have no involvement in crime.”

The government said it understood that people take their frustrations of unemployment, poverty and crime out on individuals and establishments perceived as competitors.

Mr Ramaphosa’s administration also adopted the Comprehensive Approach for Migration Management to crack down on illegal immigration and violators of the nation’s labour laws.

The presidency disclosed that legislation was being developed to introduce sector-based quotas for foreign workers.

The South African government sought the collaboration of other African nations to address the root cause of migration, while reaffirming its commitment to “confront racism, sexism, xenophobia and Afrophobia.”