The South African Department of Home Affairs has outlined measures to address the increasing number of illegal immigrants entering the country, particularly from Ethiopia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Bangladesh, identified as the top three sources of newcomers in 2023. These measures focus on enhanced border enforcement, intelligence sharing, deportations, and investment in advanced technology.
To bolster border control, a total of 672 Border Law Enforcement Officers have been deployed across vulnerable areas, including 585 officers at land borders, 56 at maritime borders, and 31 stationed at OR Tambo International Airport. Officers are equipped with 22 quad bikes, 26 motorbikes, 44 patrol vehicles, and 127 firearms, with 400 additional pistols recently delivered.
South Africa has signed joint action plans with Mozambique and Eswatini, and is in advanced negotiations with Lesotho, under the World Bank’s Southern African Trade Facilitation Programme. These agreements facilitate risk information exchanges to improve border management. The Border Management Authority (BMA) has also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with INTERPOL to access databases on lost travel documents, wanted persons, and other risks. Additionally, a Border Security Risk and Information Committee allows collaboration with various agencies, including the State Security Agency, SAPS Crime Intelligence, SANDF Defence Intelligence, and SARS Customs Targeting Unit.
Between July 2022 and September 2024, a total of 410,332 illegal foreigners were processed, categorized as “inadmissibles, undesirables, undocumented individuals,” or arrests. Efforts to apprehend and deport illegal immigrants remain ongoing, with thousands processed each year.
To further strengthen enforcement, the Border Management Authority, in collaboration with ARMSCOR, is using funds from the Crime Asset Recovery Account (CARA) to procure specialized equipment such as drones, body cameras, and maritime patrol vessels to enhance surveillance and enforcement.
The department reported that total foreign arrivals from January to September 2024 stood at 9,285,398, with data for 2020-2022 provided in a detailed breakdown below.
The Department of Home Affairs confirmed that its reported figures reflect accurately detected illegal immigrants, refusals of entry, and deportations from ports of entry. These efforts demonstrate South Africa’s ongoing commitment to managing migration, securing its borders, and facilitating legitimate travel and trade.
