Acting Chief Director Albert Matsaung said between 2 000 and 3 000 undocumented foreign nationals arrived at the facility over the past two days. Despite the continued influx, officials have reported progress in processing individuals at the centre.
Matsaung said operational teams deployed to Musina are managing to process all migrants currently being accommodated at the repatriation facility. “The number has gone down a little bit, but we continue to see people coming in,” said Matsaung.
According to the Department, more than 50 000 undocumented foreign nationals have been repatriated as authorities intensify efforts to enforce SA’s immigration laws. Matsaung urged foreign nationals residing in SA to ensure that all immigration documentation remains valid and up to date.
The Department said the high number of undocumented migrants identified during recent operations highlights ongoing challenges in enforcing immigration regulations. “If we can have people close to 50 000 that are undocumented and illegal, you can understand the extent at which we have people who do not really have respect for our immigration law,” said Matsaung.
The Musina Temporary Repatriation Centre has become a key processing point for undocumented migrants identified during immigration enforcement operations across the country. The facility is responsible for verifying identities, processing immigration cases and facilitating repatriation where required.
–SABC/ChannelAfrica–
