Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni says South Africa is not legally responsible for repatriating foreign nationals, stressing that the obligation lies with their respective home countries.
Speaking on government’s response to migration and border management, Ntshavheni said South Africa’s role is to support neighbouring countries when assistance is requested. She pointed to Mozambique’s coordinated repatriation efforts as an example and said government is also working with Malawi to help prevent a humanitarian crisis.
Ntshavheni said delays in processing some foreign nationals are largely due to capacity constraints at Malawi’s diplomatic mission.
“South Africa has no legal obligation to repatriate foreign nationals. That responsibility rests with their countries of origin, while our role is to provide support when requested,” she said.
The minister also provided an update on border security, saying authorities continue to intercept undocumented migrants and travellers carrying non-compliant travel documents at ports of entry.
She said the Border Management Authority is pursuing criminal cases linked to illegal immigration and that several arrests have already been made.
“The Border Management Authority continues to intercept undocumented migrants and travellers with non-compliant documents, while criminal investigations are under way. We are confident these investigations will be concluded without unnecessary delays,” Ntshavheni said.
She added that government remains focused on strengthening border security by accelerating infrastructure upgrades, while continuing with law enforcement operations and policy reforms aimed at improving the country’s immigration system.
Photo: X/ @GovernmentZA
