South Africa: Govt Unveils Comprehensive Plan to Tackle Illegal Immigration

Government has adopted a Comprehensive Approach for Migration Management aimed at strengthening border security, enforcing immigration laws, tackling corruption and closing policy loopholes as part of a broader effort to address illegal immigration in South Africa.

Addressing the nation on Sunday, President Cyril Ramaphosa said the plan was adopted by Cabinet last week and endorsed by the President's Coordinating Council, which includes Premiers, local government representatives and traditional leaders.

"As government our objective is clear. We want a South Africa where every person who enters the country does so lawfully; a South Africa where immigration laws are respected and enforced; a South Africa where businesses compete fairly; a South Africa where communities feel safe and secure, and a South Africa that remains true to its constitutional values and its commitment to human dignity," the President said.

The plan rests on five pillars, namely, cracking down on violations of immigration and labour laws, preventing illegal entry into the country, stamping out corruption in the immigration system, strengthening immigration laws and policies, and working with other countries to address migration challenges across the region and continent.

The first part of the response focuses on a well-coordinated effort to crack down on violations of existing immigration, labour and other laws.

The President said the Department of Home Affairs, the Border Management Authority (BMA), South African Police Service (SAPS) and other law enforcement agencies have been and will intensify the process of identifying and deporting undocumented foreign nationals residing illegally in South Africa.

"In the past year alone, the BMA managed to intercept and stop over 450 000 people who were attempting to enter South Africa illegally," the President said.

Furthermore, he said dedicated courts will be set up to deal with immigration to speedily support the deportation of undocumented migrants.

The second pillar of the approach to illegal immigration is anchored on knowing who enters the country, why they are entering and how long they are permitted to stay.

"Secure borders are not a sign of hostility towards other countries. They are a fundamental requirement of a sovereign and well-governed State," the President said.

He said government will continue to invest in modern technology, infrastructure and personnel to ensure that borders are secure, while facilitating legitimate trade, travel and economic activity.

We will undertake a phased relocation of refugee reception ce