immigration services

4 April 2025

Work underway to transform government services

Location: News

Work underway to transform government services

An agreement between several government entities is set to digitally transform and revolutionise government services.

The Department of Home Affairs, the Border Management Authority (BMA), Government Printing Works (GPW) and the South African Revenue Service (SARS) concluded the agreement on Thursday.

“The agreement marks a new era that will fundamentally reform and improve the way that government works in the Republic of South Africa. In terms of the agreement, the service ecosystem composed of Home Affairs, the BMA and GPW will leverage the world-class technology capacity within SARS to revolutionise all civics and immigration services,” said the Department of Home Affairs.

As a direct result of the successful conclusion of this agreement, the public can look forward to the following improvements:

•    Launch of a world-class Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system to digitalise and automate immigration procedures to eliminate inefficiency and fraud;
•    Integration of Home Affairs services with banking platforms to expand access to Smart ID and passport services to hundreds of bank branches as well as to banking apps;
•    Creation of an option to select secure courier delivery of documents that eliminates the requirement to collect documents only at Home Affairs offices;
•    Upgrading of the Movement Control System (MCS) at all ports of entry; and
•    Introduction of Smart IDs for naturalised citizens and permanent residents.

“This list of reforms also represents only the most immediate priorities for the next twelve months, with many more to follow over the term of the seventh administration in pursuit of our vision to deliver ‘Home Affairs @ home,’” said the department.

Additionally, it added that work to roll out the improvements is now in full swing, and that it will announce their activation on an ongoing basis.

Home Affairs Minister, Dr Leon Schreiber said: “It is difficult to overstate the significance of what we have jointly achieved with [the] adoption of this historic agreement. SARS is a world-class institution that must never be taken for granted, and I want to thank the Commissioner and his team for their visionary commitment to breaking down silos in the interests of South Africa.”

The Minister also applauded the unwavering commitment of the Home Affairs, BMA and GPW teams in embracing the power of digital transformation.”

“The beauty of this shared approach is that delivering on our vision to digitally transform Home Affairs services will yield major benefits to both us and SARS. For example, the creation of a biometrically secured digital identity platform will enhance the ability to crack down on fraud and collect outstanding revenues, while the digitalisation and automation of immigration processes through the ETA will improve customs collection,” he said.

The agreement was jointly signed by SARS Commissioner Edward Kieswetter, Home Affairs Director-General Tommy Makhode, BMA Commissioner Michael Masiapato, and GPW Chief Executive Officer Alinah Fosi. -SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Fri, 04/04/2025 - 11:52
105 views

16 February 2025

Home Affairs detains mother of former Miss SA contestant in Cape Town

Location: News

Home Affairs detains mother of former Miss SA contestant in Cape Town

Investigators from the Department of Home Affairs, along with the South African Police Service (SAPS), detained Anabela Rungo, the mother of Chidimma Adetshina, at a property in Cape Town on Saturday.

This action follows the withdrawal of Rungo’s South African documentation in September 2024, after it was discovered that it had been fraudulently obtained, which rendered her ineligible to continue residing in South Africa.

“In an apparent act of brazen disregard for the legal consequences of her conduct, it appears that Ms Rungo has defied her ‘undesirable’ status through her Mozambican passport. Investigations are ongoing into further potential misrepresentation and fraudulent conduct,” a Home Affairs statement read.

According to Home Affairs, during yesterday’s operation, investigators from the Counter Corruption and Immigration Services branches of the department also found Adetshina’s under-aged child residing with Rungo.

“After being processed by Home Affairs over her apparent illegal continued residence in South Africa, Ms Rungo will be handed over to the SAPS as she is also the subject of an ongoing investigation by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation.”

Meanwhile, Home Affairs is liaising with the Department of Social Development and SAPS Child Protection Unit as it relates to protecting the interests of the under-age child.

“The department will provide further updates at opportune moments. No interviews will be taken on this matter at this stage.”

Adetshina withdrew from the Miss South Africa competition in August of last year after it was announced by the department that her mother might have committed “identity theft“ to obtain South African nationality.

A former law student, Adetshina later won Miss Universe Nigeria after being invited to participate by the organisers.

The department announced the withdrawal of her ID papers in October of last year. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Sun, 02/16/2025 - 10:14
46 views

18 September 2024

Nelson Mandela Bay’s efforts to combat crime pay off

Location: News

Nelson Mandela Bay's efforts to combat crime pay off

The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality has demonstrated its unwavering commitment to combating crime and ensuring the safety of residents in a series of coordinated operations.

This follows multiple joint compliance operations conducted over the weekend across various areas, which yielded significant results.

A comprehensive joint compliance operation including Metro Police, the South African Police Service (SAPS), various municipal departments, and Immigration Services, was executed.

This led to the issuing of fines for the shops operating illegally, resulting in their closure; the issuing of fines for illegal dumping; the confiscation of 203 male enhancement tablets and 203 skin lightening creams valued at R10 650 and the issuing of 24 traffic fines.

A liquor compliance operation was also conducted in the Humewood/Central area with the participation of Metro Police, SAPS, Immigration Services, and Traffic and Licensing departments. The operation resulted in the arrest of six undocumented foreign national and two arrests for drunken driving.

Operation Shanela was also conducted in the Humewood/Central area with the involvement of the SAPS, Metro Police, and Traffic and Licensing, leading to five arrests for drunken driving.

A liquor compliance operation was also conducted in Walmer, involving SAPS and Immigration Services. The operation resulted in the arrests of twelve undocumented foreign nationals, and one arrest for drunken driving.

Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Mayor, Gary Van Niekerk said the operations underscored the municipality’s intensified efforts and steadfast commitment to maintaining law and order.

Van Niekerk said collaborative efforts of various law enforcement agencies and municipal departments have been pivotal in achieving these successes.

The Mayor also encouraged the community to continue supporting such initiatives to create a safer environment for all.

"Our commitment to ensuring the safety and security of our residents is unwavering. These operations highlight the dedication and hard work of our law enforcement agencies and municipal departments. Together, we are making Nelson Mandela Bay a safer place for everyone," Van Niekerk said. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Wed, 09/18/2024 - 12:19

101 views

8 July 2024

PSC applauds officials who refuse to accept a bribes

Location: News

PSC applauds officials who refuse to accept a bribes

The Public Service Commission (PSC) has applauded officials who refuse to accept bribes at the country’s ports of entry to South Africa.

“The integrity of officers at South Africa’s ports of entry plays a significant role in combating and preventing bribery and corruption in rendering customs, transport, and immigration services to the public,” said PSC Commissioner Anele Gxoyiya.

Addressing the media in Pretoria earlier today, Gxoyiya said this was demonstrated by officials from the South African Revenue Services (SARS) and the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) who refused to take bribes of R200 000 and R50 000 respectively, to allow a truck carrying 614 boxes of semi-manufactured tobacco worth over R6 million to enter the country.

He said the display of integrity by officials promotes a culture of accountability, transparency, and ethical conduct.
“The PSC once more applauds the exemplary ethical behaviour displayed by the officials from SARS and the RTMC for refusing to take a bribe at the Beitbridge port of entry,” said the Commissioner.

“Bribery at the ports of entry manifest in various ways, including, but not limited to, facilitation payment, document falsification, preferential treatment and smuggling,” Gxoyiya said, adding that corrupt officials may cooperate with criminal networks to smuggle illicit goods and even enable human trafficking in exchange of bribes.

“In addition, the PSC would like to congratulate the Minister of Tourism Patricia de Lille and officials in her department who were instrumental in the recovery of the R35 million in irregular payments made through SA Tourism's US and South Africa Offices, for services not rendered,” Gxoyiya said.

He said the recovery of the funds demonstrated their commitment in fighting corruption and ensuring that funds allocated to the department are used appropriately in line with the Public Finance Management Act.

“The PSC would like to encourage all public servants across the country to uphold the constitutional values and principles which calls for professional ethics and accountability. These actions will contribute towards building a professional, ethical, and capable public service,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Mon, 07/08/2024 - 15:05

310 views

11 June 2024

BMA refutes claims of inefficiency at ORTIA

Location: News

BMA refutes claims of inefficiency at ORTIA

Border Management Authority (BMA) Commissioner, Dr Michael Masiapato, has refuted claims regarding the functionality and efficiency of the OR Tambo International Airport (ORTIA) passenger movement processing system.

The BMA has noted with concern several erroneous reports suggesting that systemic transitions are taking place at ORTIA in Gauteng. The authority said these false reports have caused unnecessary concern among travellers and stakeholders.

Masiapato denied the allegations and reaffirmed the authority’s commitment to maintaining a robust, secure and efficient border management system.

“The current processing systems at BMA Immigration services is fully operational and designed to handle the high volume of traffic efficiently.

“There are no system challenges at ORTIA or any of our ports, contrary to the claims made in the public domain. Our records indicate that average processing times at ORTIA remain within acceptable international standards.

“We continuously monitor and analyse processing times to identify and address any potential bottlenecks,” Masiapato said.

The BMA said it prioritises law enforcement activities at all ports, as well as the safety and security of all individuals entering and exiting the country.

“Our systems incorporate advanced security features to detect and prevent unauthorised entry. The BMA also collaborates closely with various stakeholders such as Airports Company South Africa and customs authorities to ensure a seamless border management process.

“We encourage the public to rely on official communications from the BMA for accurate information,” the BMA said in a statement. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Tue, 06/11/2024 - 09:04

632 views

12 November 2023

White Paper set to overhaul migration system, says Motsoaledi

Location: News

White Paper set to overhaul migration system, says Motsoaledi

Home Affairs Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi says the recently published White Paper On Citizenship, Immigration and Refugee Protection contains radical proposals that are aimed at overhauling the migration system in South Africa.

Cabinet approved the White Paper on Wednesday, 1 November 2023 for public comment. It was published in the Government Gazette No. 49661 on 10 November 2023, after what Motsoaledi described as a “painstaking exercise of drafting”.

The draft policy aims to provide a framework to guide the granting of residency and citizenship to foreign nationals, as well as the protection of refugees and asylum seekers in South Africa, cognisant of the Republic’s national security interests and in compliance with international agreements and protocols on migration that South Africa is party to.

“There have been consistent loud voices calling for effective policy measures and legislative interventions dealing with migration in South Africa.

“South Africa has different pieces of legislation dealing with citizenship, immigration and refugee protection, namely the Citizenship Act, Immigration Act and Refugees Act, as amended.

“In practice, these pieces of legislation are not in harmony with each other. Piecemeal amendments were made without any policy framework whatsoever,” Motsoaledi said at a briefing in Pretoria on Sunday.

Key proposals

Motsoaledi said one of the chief proposals in the White Paper is that the government of the Republic of South Africa must review and/or withdraw from the 1951 United Nations Refugees Convention (“1951 Convention”) and the 1967 Protocol relating to the Status of Refugees (“1967 Protocol”), with a view to accede to them with reservations like other countries.

“The refugee protection and immigration legislation must provide for reservations and exceptions, as contained in the 1951 Convention and the 1969 OAU [Organisation of African Unity -- now AU] Convention, particularly in that South Africa does not have the resources to grant the socio-economic rights envisaged in the 1951 Convention,” the Minister said.

He explained that the current citizenship legislation has its roots in the 1949 Citizenship Act (“1949 Act”) and other relevant successive laws governing citizenship.

He said the 1949 Act and other relevant laws were not only discriminatory on the basis of race and sex but the “natives” (black people) were totally excluded from the South African citizenship regime.

“The South African Citizenship Act provides for three main forms of citizenship, namely, citizenship by birth, citizenship by descent and citizenship by naturalisation,” Motsoaledi said.

The Minister said the Citizenship Act and Births and Deaths Registration Act must be repealed in their entirely and be included in the single legislation dealing with citizenship, immigration and refugee protection.

“This will remove contradictions and loopholes in the paths towards citizenship, as is now the case with the three pieces of legislation. The criteria for granting any form of citizenship must be strictly in accordance with the law.

“A proper register should be kept for all persons granted citizenship by naturalisation by the Minister. The register must be tabled every year in Parliament by the Minister,” Motsoaledi said.

Immigration

The Minister said South Africa is a great place to live in and many people in the world aspire to live, work or to be citizens of South Africa.

“[As a] result, many foreign nationals come to South Africa and stay in the country illegally. No one can account for all undocumented migrants. The Department of Home Affairs has no idea as to how many illegal immigrants are in South Africa.

“However, Immigration Services deports between 15 000 - 20 000 illegal foreigners every year at a huge cost. This number is on the increase.

“The establishment of the Border Management Authority (BMA) should significantly reduce the risk of foreigners entering the country illegally,” the Minister said.

Motsoaledi said the Border Management Authority Act must be reviewed to align it with Immigration and Citizenship new policy framework.

“The policy framework must provide for the establishment of the Advisory Board, which comprises representatives of the Departments of Trade, Industry and Competition, Labour and Employment, Tourism, South African Police Service, South African Revenue Service, Education, International Relations & Cooperation, Defence & Military Veterans and Director-General of the DHA [Department of Home Affairs].

“The Board must also comprise representatives of organised labour, including four individuals on the grounds of expertise in administration, regulatory matters or immigration law, control, adjudication and enforcement, appointed by the Minister.

“Policy and legislative interventions are required to tighten the procedures and strengthening the monitoring capacity by introducing integrated IT systems capable of flagging fraudulent activities in the issuing of visas, identity documents, marriage certificates and passports.

“This includes giving wide statutory powers to the existing Anti-Corruption Unit within the DHA,” the Minister said.

Motsoaledi said the new policy must provide that members of the Anti-Corruption Unit should be seconded from the South African Police Service (SAPS).

“The rationale being that members of the SAPS enjoy wide statutory powers, including search and arrest without a warrant,” the Minister said.

New legislation, Motsoaledi said, must be introduced to strengthen the powers of immigration officers and Inspectorate, and make continuing training compulsory. The majority of members of the Inspectorate must have legal qualifications and policing experience. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Sun, 11/12/2023 - 13:02

92 views