By Dr Michael Masiapato
Transforming South Africa’s migration system is one of the country’s significant democratic achievements since 1994. Over the past three decades, South Africa has moved away from a migration regime characterised by exclusion and discrimination towards one founded on constitutional principles, human rights and the values of Ubuntu.
Recognising migration as a long-standing global phenomenon, government has progressively aligned migration policies and legislation with the Constitution and international obligations to ensure a more inclusive and humane approach to migration management.
These reforms have helped position South Africa as a leading destination for migrants on the African continent, attracted by its political stability, economic opportunities and developed infrastructure. According to Statistics South Africa, the immigrant population grew from 2.1% of the population in 1996 to 3.9% in 2022, representing approximately 2.4 million people. While migration contributes to regional integration and economic development, it also underscores the need for effective systems to manage movement in a manner that is lawful, orderly and secure.
It is for this reason that Government established the Border Management Authority in April 2023. The agency is responsible for integrated border law enforcement across land, air and maritime ports of entry and border law enforcement areas.
It brings together key government departments, under a centralised structure to handle all aspects of border control from immigration, port health, agriculture and biosecurity which includes the inspection of foods and animals. It furthermore supports the efforts of the South African National Defence Force to address threats at South Africa’s 71 official ports of entry.
The Border Management Authority plays a critical role in safeguarding South Africa’s national security and protecting the integrity of the country’s immigration system. Effective border management is not only about regulating the movement of people across borders; it is also about preventing criminal activities that threaten the safety and wellbeing of communities, including human trafficking, smuggling of goods, drug trafficking, wildlife crimes, document fraud and other forms of transnational organised crime that often exploit vulnerabilities at ports of entry and along borderlines.
By strengthening border law enforcement and detecting illicit activities before they enter the country, the Authority helps protect citizens, preserve public order and uphold the rule of law. National security is fundamental to the country’s stability, economic prosperity and constitutional democracy. The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa envisages a secure state that protects all who live in it, while advancing human dignity, equality and freedom.
Through coordinated action with other government stakeholders, the Border Management Authority helps ensure that migration is managed in a manner that is lawful, orderly and humane, while supporting the lawful processing, deportation and repatriation of undocumented foreign nationals. In doing so, the Authority contributes to protecting South Africa’s sovereignty, facilitating legitimate trade and travel, and ensuring that the country’s borders remain secure without compromising its constitutional and international obligations.
Beyond its security mandate, the Border Management Authority also makes an important contribution to South Africa’s economic growth and development. By facilitating the efficient movement of legitimate travellers, tourists, investors and goods through ports of entry, the Authority supports trade, tourism and regional economic integration. Through balancing security with access, South Africa aims to create an environment that supports sustainable development and long-term growth as it leverages the opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area.
During the 2025/26 financial year alone, the Border Management Authority facilitated the lawful movement of approximately 37.1 million travellers over the 12 months period through South Africa’s ports of entry. These figures underscore the critical role that efficient border management plays in supporting economic activity across the region.
By reducing delays, combating illicit trade and strengthening border operations, the Authority helps create an environment that promotes investment confidence and economic growth while ensuring that South Africa remains open to lawful travel and trade. Increased tourism in turn contributes to economic growth and job creation, particularly in sectors such as hospitality, transport, retail and small business services that benefit directly from higher visitor numbers.
Since its launch less than three years ago, the BMA has accelerated the modernisation of border management through the deployment of advanced technologies, including AI-enabled drones and body-worn cameras, while intensifying border patrols and strengthening coordination among law enforcement agencies. These interventions have enhanced surveillance and operational effectiveness, contributing to increased interceptions of smuggled goods, the arrest and prosecution of individuals involved in criminal activities, and a reduction in attempted illegal border crossings.
In May this year, a coordinated operation by law enforcement agencies led to the seizure of a drug consignment worth nearly R1 billion at the Beitbridge Port of Entry. South Africa processes tens of thousands of deportations annually through the Department of Home Affairs, alongside large-scale coordinated repatriation operations involving partner countries across the region. Since establishment until the past financial year, the BMA has intercepted and prevented more than 542,684 people from entering South Africa illegally. This demonstrates consistent security management at the various ports of entry.
The undocumented persons always account for the largest proportion which were more than 181,672 highlighting the benefits of introducing drone technology in the ecosystem. More than 134,221 travellers were declared undesirables due to overstays and more than 128 883 were inadmissible and could not be admitted in the country due to fraudulent documents, expired visas, expired passports, no yellow fever certificates and failing to comply with the provisions of the Immigration Act. A further 97,908 illegal immigrants were arrested since the beginning of this year for being in the country illegally.
In addition, 109 344 people have been deported by the Department of Home Affairs over the past two financial years. Over the past five financial years, about 8,180 employers have also been charged by the Department of Employment and Labour for allegedly employing foreign nationals without valid work permits.
These numbers clearly demonstrate that our reforms and intensified enforcement are bearing fruits. Our institutions are capable, better coordinated, and steadily making progress in protecting South Africa’s borders and contributing towards building a capable state.
We will continue to secure our borders for development.
Dr Michael Masiapato is the Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the Border Management Authority.
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