The Presidency has outlined a coordinated approach to managing migration with a strong focus on enforcement border security system reform legislative alignment and regional cooperation. Authorities will intensify efforts to identify and deport undocumented foreign nationals while establishing dedicated immigration courts and increasing inspections of businesses that employ undocumented workers. Additional labour inspectors will be recruited and penalties for employers who breach immigration laws will be strengthened to ensure compliance.
Border management will be reinforced through increased funding and the use of advanced technologies such as ground sensors satellite monitoring and drones. Key ports of entry will be upgraded to handle high volumes more efficiently and refugee reception centres will be relocated closer to border posts to improve processing and control.
Within the immigration system there will be a focus on addressing corruption and inefficiencies particularly within Home Affairs.
Plans include developing an intelligent population register using biometric data expanding access to Smart ID cards while phasing out green ID books and extending biometric systems to major airports and busy land borders.
Measures will also be introduced to curb the misuse of Traffic Registration Numbers.
Legislative and policy reforms aim to create a unified legal framework for migration while introducing limits on the employment of foreign nationals. Enforcement against employers hiring undocumented workers will be strengthened and small and informal businesses will be formally registered. Support mechanisms such as the Spaza Shop Fund will be used to promote local enterprise development.
Finally South Africa will work more closely with other African countries to address the root causes of migration including political instability conflict and economic hardship. Collaboration through regional and continental structures such as SADC and the African Union along with bilateral partnerships will be prioritised to improve migration management across the continent.
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