Border Management Authority halts over 281,000 illegal entries into South Africa

Border Management Authority halts over 281,000 illegal entries into South Africa

Since deploying border guards last year, the Border Management Authority (BMA) has effectively stopped over 281,000 individuals from illegally entering South Africa.

Illegal immigrants entering South Africa’s borders

Dr. Mike Masiapato, Commissioner of the Border Management Authority (BMA), highlighted the significance of transitioning from a multi-agency approach to a unified border management platform under a single command and control.

This shift coincides with the celebration of 30 years of democracy and marks the first anniversary of the BMA, providing an opportunity for reflection on its benefits.

According to The South African Government News Agency, the BMA celebrated its first anniversary on 1 April.

Masiapato stated at the media briefing that was held on Sunday, that the BMA has assumed complete control over immigration, health, agricultural, and environmental functions at all ports of entry.

At the same time, the relevant departments maintain responsibility for policy and legislation.

Access control at ports of entry continues to be jointly managed by border guards and the South African Police Services (SAPS) due to capacity limitations faced by the BMA.

Masiapato provided an overview of the authority’s Easter plan 2024, spanning ten days from 26 March to 4 April.

During Easter, the BMA assisted 1 136 250 travellers across South Africa’s 71 entry points, marking a 24% increase with 222,391 more travellers than last year.

The Commissioner disclosed that 3 841 individuals were intercepted trying to enter South Africa unlawfully.

He noted a drop in undocumented and unaccompanied minors arriving at ports of entry during Easter 2024.

Five children were stopped at the Beitbridge port on 28 March 2024 despite this.

They were transferred to the Department of Social Development and later repatriated.

The border guards also managed to intercept and deny entry to about seven cargo consignments of meat worth about R9 294 551, which were destined to enter South Africa through the port of Cape Town due to non-compliance.

They also seized about 748 kg of non-compliant regulated agricultural products at various ports of entry.

The guards working with the SAPS arrested about 143 individuals for crimes and transgressions within the ports of entry and the border law enforcement area.

4000 people arrested for Illegal entry attempts during easter period

Approximately 4000 individuals were apprehended at South Africa’s borders during Easter as the Border Management Authority intensified its enforcement efforts.

Commissioner Michael Masiapato and other border law enforcement officials disclosed the figures at a briefing in Tshwane on Sunday.

According to Eyewitness News, Masiapato stated that the majority of those apprehended have been barred from entering South Africa for the next five years.

“Out of this number of intercepted individuals, about 2,403 did not have any documents at all. About 1,019 were refused entry for being undesirable and about 419 were found inadmissible to enter the country due to various reasons.”

According to TimesLive, Of those intercepted, 2 403 individuals lacked any documents, while 1 019 were denied entry for being undesirable, and 419 were deemed inadmissible for various reasons.

“The majority of those arrested without documents were intercepted at the vulnerable segments of the borderline. They were processed, declared undesirable for five years, and were deported. Most of the inadmissible individuals were found with invalid passports, fraudulent visas or just failed to produce relevant documents such as valid yellow fever certificates, especially those travelling from yellow fever endemic countries,” stated Masiapato.

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