The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs has called on government departments to urgently implement the President’s strategic plans to address illegal migration.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Chairperson emphasized that immediate action is required, noting that many of the initiatives are already incorporated into the annual performance plans of various departments. The Chairperson warned that failing to execute the President’s “clear and comprehensive directives” would undermine the authority of the Head of State.
Addressing the current climate of heightened anti-foreigner sentiment in the country, the Chairperson stressed the importance of the state reaffirming its authority to enforce the law. Law enforcement agencies were urged to intensify their efforts to ensure immigration laws are effectively upheld.
The Chairperson also highlighted the detrimental impact of corruption on border control, describing it as a “cancer that erodes both the spirit and the intent” of immigration laws. It was noted that eradicating corruption is essential to prevent the undermining of legal frameworks and ensure effective implementation.
Furthermore, the Chairperson welcomed the President’s intention to engage with other African nations regarding migration. It was stated that illegal migration is intrinsically linked to broader socio-economic and developmental challenges across the region and continent, and therefore cannot be addressed in isolation. Instead, a “coordinated, government-wide response” focused on enforcing existing immigration laws was called for.
To ensure compliance and effective enforcement, the Chairperson underscored the critical need to increase personnel within key departments. This includes expanding the number of labour inspectors in the Department of Employment and Labour to ensure employer compliance with labour legislation, as well as increasing the number of immigration officers within the Department of Home Affairs.
