The scourge of illegal immigrants is cited by the Minister of Home Affairs, Malusi Gigaba, as one of the biggest challenges the country is faced with. Speaking at the reopening of Ratlou Home Affairs in Thaba Nchu last week, the Minister of Home Affairs issued a warning to illegal foreigners and their employers.
Immigrants who have entered South Africa before September 2015 are currently being allowed to apply for a Lesotho Special Visa, which is a four-year permit. Gigaba urged all illegal immigrants from Lesotho to urgently apply for permits. He, however, mentioned that this special permit is not applicable for everyone. It will only be granted on the basis that the individual “is in possession of an original Lesotho identity card, passport and letter of employment or proof of study, as well as a police clearance.”
Gigaba advised employers who have hired illegal immigrants from Lesotho to write letters confirming their employment as it forms part of the required documents for the application for a Lesotho Special Permit. The permit is issued under a special dispensation for Lesotho nationals who have been working, studying or running businesses in South Africa prior to September 2015.
Legal action will be taken against employers who are found to have employed illegal Lesotho immigrants after the deadline for the issuing of the Lesotho Special Permits. “Once we close the Lesotho Special Permit process, we will take legal action against all employers employing people in South Africa without work permits. South Africans must respect South African laws and comply with those laws.”
Whilst explaining the significance of proper documentation and the refurbishing of the Ratlou offices, Gigaba outlined the lack of infrastructure and human resources as another challenge that is hindering the department from rendering speedy service.
In overcoming these challenges, the Department of Home Affairs is working on a programme with Lesotho to curb the current system of stamping passports every time Lesotho nationals are travelling to South Africa. “It is a burden to Lesotho nationals who commute to South Africa daily or weekly to have their passports stamped every time, as this requires them to make several trips to Home Affairs for renewal,” said Gigaba.
Gigaba mentioned that the Department of Home Affairs has requested the department of Home Affairs in Lesotho to ensure that its nationals all have legitimate Lesotho documents and to open facilities in South Africa to enable Lesotho nationals to make arrangements whilst in South Africa. – Katleho Morapela
katleho@centralmediagroup.co.za