South Africa is moving ahead with a comprehensive overhaul of its immigration system while stepping up border enforcement, as more than 35,000 people have either been deported or voluntarily repatriated through the Beitbridge Border Post since the beginning of last month.
The increase in border processing comes amid heightened public debate over undocumented migration, including recent protests organised by the March and March movement. Authorities reported that more than 2,400 people were processed through deportation or voluntary repatriation channels from Wednesday alone.
To accommodate the growing number of returnees, officials established a temporary repatriation centre outside Musina, near the Zimbabwean border, with capacity to house up to 20,000 people.
Government proposes wide-ranging immigration reforms
While border operations continue, the South African government is also preparing to implement one of the country’s most significant immigration policy reforms in years.
Cabinet approved the Revised White Paper on Citizenship, Immigration and Refugee Protection in April, outlining measures aimed at strengthening border security, reducing fraud, modernising immigration administration and aligning migration policy with national economic priorities.
One of the key proposals is the adoption of the “first safe country principle”, which would prevent asylum seekers from applying for refugee protection in South Africa if they have already received protection elsewhere or travelled through a designated safe third country before arriving.
The White Paper also recommends replacing the current largely residency-based naturalisation system with a merit-based citizenship framework. The proposal introduces objective eligibility criteria, an independent citizenship advisory panel and a points-based pathway for qualifying applicants.
In addition, government plans to introduce new visa categories for remote workers, entrepreneurs, skilled professionals and individuals with recognised sporting or cultural talent. A points-based assessment system is also proposed for selected visa categories and permanent residence applications.
Authorities further intend to roll out an electronic travel authorisation system that would digitise visa processing, strengthen biometric verification and improve overall border management.
Public debate continues over border enforcement
Despite the proposed reforms, some organisations argue that stronger enforcement should remain the government’s immediate priority.
Forum for South Africa criticised what it described as a slow response to public concerns surrounding undocumented migration, saying communities want stricter border controls, consistent enforcement of immigration laws and the removal of individuals who are in the country unlawfully.
According to Statistics South Africa’s latest Migration Statistics Report, based on the 2022–2023 Income and Expenditure Survey, more than three million immigrants currently live in South Africa, accounting for approximately 5.1% of the national population. Nearly two-thirds originate from countries within the Southern African Development Community (SADC), with most falling within the 35 to 39-year age group.
Acting Border Management Authority Commissioner Major-General David Chilembe said officials continue to manage three parallel processes at Beitbridge: deportations, voluntary repatriations and the routine movement of travellers and commercial goods.
He added that every deportation follows strict legal procedures, including citizenship verification, biometric registration, fingerprint checks, criminal record screening and nationality confirmation before individuals are returned to their countries of origin. Fingerprints are also compared against criminal databases to prevent suspects from attempting to evade prosecution by joining deportation convoys.
The combination of expanded border operations and proposed legislative reforms reflects South Africa’s broader effort to strengthen immigration management while balancing national security, regional cooperation and long-term economic objectives.
Source: South African Department of Home Affairs; Border Management Authority; Statistics South Africa