The issue of illegal migration and porous borders has long been a concern for South Africa. However, the Border Management Authority (BMA) has recently reported significant progress in monitoring the movement of illegal migrants in and out of the country, particularly during the festive season.
In a report on its festive-season border operations, the BMA highlighted the remarkable increase in the movement of persons and goods entering and exiting South Africa.
South Africa boasts a total of 71 ports of entry, including 52 land ports, 10 international airports, and nine seaports. During the period from December 6, 2023, to January 18, 2024, the BMA successfully facilitated the legitimate movement of approximately 5,096,288 travelers across these ports of entry.
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This achievement is a testament to the BMA’s commitment to ensuring the smooth flow of lawful travel and trade. However, the BMA’s implementation plan, which spanned 43 days, also revealed a significant number of individuals attempting to enter the country illegally.
Within this period, the BMA encountered 15,924 undocumented individuals, 6,455 undesirables, and 4,626 inadmissibles. As a result, a total of 27,005 individuals were deported for their illegal attempts to enter South Africa.
The BMA’s efforts in detecting and deporting individuals attempting to enter the country illegally play a vital role in safeguarding national security and maintaining the integrity of South Africa’s borders.
By enforcing immigration laws and regulations, the BMA ensures that only those with valid documentation and legitimate reasons for entry are allowed into the country. The deportation of these individuals serves as a deterrent to others who may contemplate illegal migration.
It sends a strong message that South Africa is committed to upholding its immigration laws and protecting its borders. Additionally, the deportation process helps to relieve the strain on the country’s resources by preventing the unauthorized access of services and benefits intended for legal residents and citizens.
The BMA’s success in monitoring and managing the movement of individuals across ports of entry is a result of its comprehensive approach to border management. This approach includes advanced technology, such as biometric systems and automated screening processes, to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of border control operations.
Furthermore, the BMA collaborates with various law enforcement agencies, both domestically and internationally, to gather intelligence and coordinate efforts in combating illegal migration.
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