The Inter-ministerial Committee (IMC) has cautioned South Africans against taking immigration enforcement into their own hands, stressing that only authorised state agencies have the power to conduct identity checks on foreign nationals.
The committee also reiterated that South Africans are not xenophobic, while outlining plans to intensify engagement with stakeholders on government’s response to illegal immigration.
From Monday, the IMC will begin a series of consultations with civic organisations, Chapter Nine institutions and other stakeholders to discuss government strategies aimed at addressing illegal immigration.
South African Government To Engage Stakeholders On Illegal Immigration
The engagement process forms part of broader efforts by government to communicate its plans and gather input from key stakeholders on immigration-related challenges.
The committee said the discussions would involve a range of organisations and institutions as government seeks to strengthen cooperation in dealing with issues linked to illegal immigration.
Minister Kubayi Says Immigration Enforcement Is A State Responsibility
IMC Chairperson and Minister of Justice, Mmamoloko Kubayi, said citizens do not have the authority to carry out immigration checks or law enforcement duties.
“As government, we have the sole responsibility of enforcing the law. We have observed, with concern, that some citizens are insisting on conducting identity checks and other immigration enforcement actions.
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“This is illegal and should not be encouraged in our country. Only the state has the responsibility to enforce immigration laws, and no one else.”
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Kubayi added that members of the public should instead report suspected criminal activity to the relevant authorities.
She says citizens are, however, encouraged to report or alert law enforcement authorities whenever they suspect or witness acts of criminality.
