Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on House Affairs has known as on the Division of House Affairs (DHA) to speed up the timeline for its proposed overhaul of South Africa’s migration system, urging the division to convey ahead the finalisation of the Citizenship, Immigration and Refugee Safety White Paper from 2030 to 2027.
The committee obtained the DHA’s 2025/2030 strategic plan and its 2025/26 annual efficiency plan this week. Committee chairperson Mosa Chabane mentioned the urgency stems from the nation’s escalating migration challenges, which require decisive coverage route.
“Migration challenges going through the nation require pressing coverage route not solely to shut legislative gaps but additionally to make sure that South Africa is according to worldwide protocols and obligations,” mentioned Chabane. “It’s on this foundation that the committee unanimously requested the evaluation of the 2030 goal.”
The White Paper proposes an entire overhaul of South Africa’s migration system, which has lengthy confronted criticism for inefficiencies and outdated laws. Whereas the committee acknowledged the steps wanted to align with Cupboard’s choice for a supplementary White Paper, members had been clear that delays in implementation are not acceptable.
The committee additionally urged the division to speed up its digitisation efforts, which started beneath the sixth administration, and counseled plans for digital companies equivalent to doc supply and a totally automated digital visa system. Nonetheless, Chabane cautioned, “We wish to see clear implementation timelines. Bold targets should be backed by life like, time-bound plans.”
A harsh highlight was additionally positioned on poor contract administration and planning. The committee cited the closure of DHA workplaces in Barberton because of the absence of safety companies as “unacceptable.”
“The current suspension of companies in Barberton highlights weak contract administration controls. Whereas we acknowledge price range constraints, companies can’t collapse as a consequence of a primary situation like safety,” mentioned Chabane.
The committee additionally raised alarm over ongoing system downtimes and the division’s overreliance on the State Data Know-how Company, which has been criticised for underperformance.
The committee has known as for an in depth undertaking plan with agency timelines to implement ICT upgrades really useful by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Analysis (CSIR).
As well as, the committee criticised the continued underfunding of the Border Administration Authority, warning that “dithering on this matter undermines nationwide safety.” It welcomed strikes in direction of utilizing drones and body-worn cameras to cut back corruption allegations.
THE MERCURY
