Over 4,200 undocumented migrants intercepted at South Africa's borders

South African authorities ramp up border control efforts as over 4,200 undocumented migrants are intercepted in a bid to strengthen immigration enforcement and address ongoing challenges in illegal entry.

More than 4 200 undocumented foreign nationals were intercepted attempting to enter South Africa outside formal ports of entry between April and July, highlighting continued gaps in border control even as almost 90 000 people were repatriated.

Border Management Authority (BMA) Commissioner Dr Michael Masiapato informed Parliament that 4 229 people without documents were intercepted between April 1 and July 31, with most caught along the northern corridor bordering Zimbabwe, followed by areas bordering Lesotho and Mozambique.

The BMA conducted 318 multidisciplinary joint operations , resulting in about 760 arrests, including facilitators accused of helping people enter South Africa illegally. It also processed just under 10 000 deportations through border law-enforcement operations.

By August 7, the BMA had recorded 89 936 repatriations. Malawians accounted for 54 474 repatriations, followed by 27 920 Zimbabweans and 2 303 Mozambicans. A further 1 145 Nigerians, 958 Ghanaians, 807 Ugandans and 358 Kenyans were repatriated. Malawian and Zimbabwean repatriations were mainly processed through the Beitbridge corridor, while the other nationalities were processed through OR Tambo International Airport.

Home Affairs reported 82 875 people processed through its repatriation and deportation programme by the close of business on August 6.

The continued interceptions have prompted authorities to strengthen measures against illegal entry and the return of people who have already been removed.

The BMA has implemented a counter-return plan involving intensified border patrols, vehicle checkpoints and roadblocks, as well as increased immigration enforcement at ports of entry. People who have been deported or repatriated are also being placed on the Entry and Visa Stop-list (V-list), where they are subject to immigration restrictions.

At land ports, officials have tightened screening, with 12 100 people refused entry during the three-month period.