Government is rolling out drones, biometric technology and a new Electronic Travel Authorisation system as part of efforts to tighten South Africa’s borders and modernise immigration management.
The government is betting on drones, biometric technology, tighter border screening and a new digital travel system to strengthen South Africa’s borders as illegal immigration remains firmly under the national spotlight following the June 30 nationwide protests.
While public debate has largely focused on arrests, deportations and political fallout, Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber has outlined the government’s broader and longer-term strategy aimed at modernising border management, tightening ports of entry and digitising the country’s immigration system.
Responding to questions in Parliament, Schreiber said the Border Management Authority (BMA) had developed an integrated strategy to deal with illegal immigration and cross-border crime through a multi-layered approach involving technology, enforcement and inter-agency coordination.
“The Border Management Authority has developed an integrated plan to ramp up its efforts to tackle illegal immigration and other cross-border illegal activities through a multi-pronged approach that includes high-tech aerial surveillance at the most vulnerable segments of the borderline, and strict inter-agency coordination through various structures including Port Management Committees,” he said.
