Key Points
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Border Commissioner urges neighboring nations to act on illegal immigration.
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South Africa faces significant strain from undocumented migrants.
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New technologies help combat border-related crimes and immigration.
Dr. Michael Masiapato, the Commissioner of South Africa’s Border Management Authority (BMA), called for immediate action from neighboring countries to curb illegal immigration.
He expressed concerns that countries like Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Lesotho are not investing enough resources to address the issue. As a result, South Africa bears the brunt of undocumented migration.
In an interview at the Lebombo border post, Masiapato explained that illegal migration is a complex problem.
He pointed out that although neighboring countries engage with South Africa, they do not commit enough resources to tackle the problem because it does not directly affect them.
“We do engage with our colleagues in neighbouring countries, but the reality is they don’t necessarily put in effort in addressing illegal migration,” Masiapato said.
He noted that the issue is not prioritized in these countries because it is not seen as an urgent concern.
Root causes of illegal immigration lie beyond BMA control
Masiapato acknowledged that South Africa faces similar challenges, such as unemployment and socioeconomic issues. These challenges are also prevalent in neighboring countries.
He stressed that governments must address these underlying political issues at a higher level.
Despite these challenges, Masiapato noted that South Africa remains a “pull country” due to its relatively better economic conditions, which attract migrants from surrounding nations.
To combat illegal immigration, South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs introduced advanced technology to enhance border security.
Masiapato highlighted that new tools, such as drones and body-worn cameras, help improve surveillance and reduce border-related crime.
“These technologies are now starting to assist us with interception,” Masiapato said.
Recent arrests and border control improvements
In the past week, the BMA arrested dozens of undocumented migrants attempting to cross into South Africa.
Masiapato reported that authorities arrested 53 individuals for illegal entry, and officers intercepted 89 others during a three-day operation.
Additionally, law enforcement arrested seven alleged facilitators for aiding illegal crossings. The use of drones helped law enforcement identify taxi drivers assisting migrants in crossing the border illegally.
Masiapato concluded that although South Africa made strides in improving border security, challenges like porous borders, corruption, and aging infrastructure continue to complicate efforts to manage illegal immigration.
He called for greater collaboration with neighboring countries to address these issues and improve immigration management.
