Roundup: S. African gov't engages public on migration policy overhaul

The South African government on Friday held a meeting with various organizations to discuss how to improve the country's immigration system so that it is better positioned to promote development.

Minister of Home Affairs Malusi Gigaba hosted the meeting for public inputs into a Green Paper on international migration before it can be taken to the cabinet for approval.

He said the government wants to change the country's immigration laws to be in line with the international best practice in order to ensure the national security and promote development.

"South Africa's international migration policy must contribute to nation building and social cohesion. We want to move away from controlling immigration towards managing international migration so that the country realizes the positive contribution from the process," the minister said.

According to the Green Paper, the country will introduce the Southern African Development Community (SADC) visas, including a quota system for semi- and non-skilled labour.

Gigaba said the government is Afrocentric in its approach, which is in line with its foreign policy as well as the African Agenda 2063, an African blue-print which seeks to allow free movement of people and goods, in addition to economic development in the continent.

The Green Paper also seeks to relax visas for frequent travellers, certain nationals and international migrants of certain categories, academics, and business people.

"It (Green Paper) is an expression of our foreign policy which seeks to build a better Africa and a better world," said Gigaba.

The minister said they want to put to rest the notion that migration only means foreigners coming into the country. He emphasized that there are South Africans in other countries too.

He said the government will set up immigration centers near the country's borders so that asylum seekers will be accommodated while waiting for the processing of their status.

"Not only must we think of ways to leverage our diaspora, but we must ensure we treat guests in our country the way we would like to be treated, not if but when, we ourselves travel abroad. The Green Paper has provided long-awaited direction on improving our nation's management of asylum seekers and refugees," he said.

Gigaba said some refugees with critical skills will be given the permanent residence status. These will include business people who make positive contributions to the country's economy.

Jackie McKay, Deputy Director General of Immigration Services in the Department of Home Affairs, said the Green Paper intends to address challenges with the current Immigration Act.

Mckay said South Africa's asylum system in the country is abused by some foreigners who come into the country pretending to be fleeing political persecution while they are in fact economic refugees.

This overcrowds the asylum system and needs to be addressed, he said.

South Africa has a sovereign right to manage international migration in its national interest, he added.

Ngqabutho Mabhena, chairperson of the Zimbabwean Community in South Africa, told Xinhua that they welcome the Green Paper and would work with the South African government to ensure its success.

The Green Paper has been posted on the government website waiting for public comments.

The Ministry of Home Affairs intends to take the paper to the cabinet for approval by March 31, 2017. Enditem