More than 8,200 foreigners were processed for repatriation at South Africa’s Beitbridge border post over a 12-day period, with the Border Management Authority (BMA) warning non-compliant transport operators are causing delays in cross-border processing.
BMA commissioner Michael Masiapato said the authority had facilitated the “lawful and orderly repatriation” of foreigners through the country’s busiest land border post.
Between June 12 and June 24, the BMA processed 6,709 Malawians transported in 112 buses and 1,521 Zimbabweans transported in 26 buses. In total, 8,230 people were processed at the Beitbridge port of entry during the period.
According to deputy assistant commissioner Mmemme Mogotsi all foreigners arriving for repatriation are processed in the presence of officials from their respective embassies to verify identities, travel documents and compliance with immigration requirements.
However, BMA said processing delays were experienced on Thursday after 17 buses arrived at the port without the required emergency travel certificates.
