MPs mull ways to curb entry of 'illegals'

The South African Government and Parliament are mulling introducing a wave of measures in a bid to clamp down on undocumented immigrants, according to a City Press report. Minister of Small Business Development Khumbudzo Ntshavheni and chairperson of the National Assembly’s Home Affairs Committee Bongani Bongo are among parliamentarians who have thrown their weight behind a proposal to move refugee centres to the country’s borders, so that those who do not qualify to enter the country are immediately sent back. Other proposed action includes: The implementation of the Border Management Authority Bill, which calls for the establishment of a single authority to manage SA’s borders; enhanced co-ordination between those government departments and state agencies that are affected by migration; strengthening legislation to stem the easy flow and settlement of undocumented migrants; and meeting with officials from the countries where most migrants originate to discuss joint solutions. Bongo reportedly told City Press South Africans would not forgive the government for failing to restrict the mushrooming of small businesses run illegally by foreign nationals.