The South African government has presented for public comment a policy paper that proposes changes to the immigration system. The paper suggests reviewing the country’s overall immigration strategy by considering changes in politics, the economy, social development, national security, international and constitutional obligations and the overall increase in immigration.

Key Policies Discussed in Policy Paper

The policy paper discusses the following key proposals:

• Management of admissions and departures: Addressing gaps that compromise secure and efficient migration and establishing a border management authority, redesignated entry ports and new pre-clearance procedures;
• Management of residency and naturalization: Expanding the eligibility criteria for citizenship and permanent residence, such as adding contributions to society and economy as a factor;
• Management of international migrants with skills and capital: Promoting and attracting skilled workers who contribute to the country’s growth and competitiveness by retaining foreign students that study in South Africa and creating a points-based work visa system;
• Management of ties with the South African diaspora: Retaining connections with skilled workers leaving South Africa;
• Management of international migration within the African context: Improving regional bodies in Africa to promote trade, travel and employment;
• Admission of asylum seekers: Acknowledging that the influx of economic asylum seekers affects the country’s ability to focus on other refugees; and
• Management of the integration process for international migrants: Creating a clear integration policy for foreign nationals.

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Home Affairs minister Malusi Gigaba says there are no indications that South Africa will see an influx of Zimbabwean migrants in the wake oftensions in that country.

His remarks come as trade experts warn Zimbabwe’s restrictions on imports are a setback for regional trade and integration.

Zimbabwe’s government is running out of cash and is seeking to encourage the manufacture of goods in its own backyard.

With over 700 million dollars’ worth of goods going into Zimbabwe, South Africa is the largest importer to the country.

Analysts say curbing those imports will have severe consequences for both sides and the region as a whole.

Sinethemba Zonke of Africa Practice says there will be a sharp drop in business activity in border towns – hitting business and threatening jobs. “There is also possible influx of Zimbabweans fleeing their country.”

But Home Affairs Minister Malusi Gigaba says as yet there’s been no talks with his Zimbabwean counterpart. He says the situation is unlikely to result in an influx of migrants into South Africa.

“The cross border numbers appear to be stabilising. We have had no talk with the Zimbabwean counterparts but DIRCO has. We understand there are talks on the trade front. We don’t think we will see an influx of migrants from what we gather.”

Local retailers with operations in Zimbabwe say they’ve taken a knock as a result of import restrictions.

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