Over 8,200 repatriated through Beitbridge

SOUTH Africa's Border Management Authority (BMA) says it processed 8,230 foreign nationals through the Beitbridge Port of Entry between June 12 and June 24 as part of ongoing voluntary repatriation efforts, while warning that non-compliant transport operators are causing unnecessary delays at the border.

According to the authority, 1,521 Zimbabwean nationals were repatriated aboard 26 buses, while 6,709 Malawian nationals crossed the border in 112 buses during the period.

BMA spokesperson Mmemme Mogotsi said all repatriated foreign nationals were processed in the presence of officials from their respective embassies to verify their identities, travel documentation and compliance with South Africa's immigration laws.

However, she revealed that 17 buses transporting foreign nationals arrived at the Beitbridge Port of Entry on Thursday morning without the required Emergency Travel Certificates (ETCs), forcing authorities to delay their processing.

"In order to decongest the Beitbridge Port of Entry, these buses could not be processed and were directed to the Musina truck stop area until the necessary documentation was obtained and verified," Mogotsi said.

She also raised concerns over transport operators using buses registered in South Africa that did not have the required cross-border permits.

"In line with the law, buses without valid cross-border permits are not allowed to cross the border," she said.

Mogotsi further said some drivers transporting repatriated foreign nationals were themselves not carrying passports, a legal requirement for anyone crossing international borders.

She urged transport operators to ensure full compliance with all immigration and administrative requirements before travelling to Beitbridge.

"This includes ensuring that buses are roadworthy, drivers are in possession of valid passports, and that all required cross-border permits have been obtained," she said.

She stressed that the Beitbridge Port of Entry would not be used as a waiting area for buses lacking the necessary documentation, adding that compliance would significantly improve the efficiency of repatriation operations.

The BMA also called on foreign nationals participating in voluntary repatriation programmes to complete all processing through the Department of Home Affairs before arriving at the border.

According to Mogotsi, identity verification by the Department of Home Affairs and security clearance by the South African Police Service (SAPS), including checks to ensure that wanted suspects are not among those being repatriated, must first be completed at the Musina Refugee Reception Centre.

She said the measure was designed to prevent unnecessary delays at the port of entry and ensure smoother border operations.

BMA Commissioner Dr Michael Masiapato said the authority remained committed to working closely with all stakeholders to ensure repatriations are carried out lawfully and with dignity.

"The BMA remains committed to working closely with the Departments of Home Affairs and International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), foreign embassies, all law enforcement agencies, border entities and transport operators to ensure that all repatriation processes are conducted in a lawful, safe, dignified and orderly manner," he said.