Pretoria – Cabinet has approved the Border Management Agency (BMA) Bill, 2015, and three amendment bills for submission to parliament.
The Border Management Agency Bill seeks to establish the BMA that will balance secure cross-border travel, trade facilitation and national security imperatives, within the context of South Africa’s regional, African and international obligations.
“This single authority for border law enforcement provides the potential for more cost- effective services as well as enhanced security and management of the border environment,” Ministry in the Presidency responsible for Performance Monitoring and Evaluation said in a statement on Thursday.
Unemployment Insurance Amendment Bill
Cabinet has also approved the Unemployment Insurance Amendment Bill, 2014. This is the second amendment to the Unemployment Insurance Act 2001 (Act 63 of 2001).
Once the Bill is passed, the Ministry said, it will amongst others, extend the period of payments of benefits to the contributor from eight to 12 months and extend the period in which a contributor can lodge a claim from six months to 12 months.
Municipal Electoral Amendment Bill
Cabinet further approved the Local Government: Municipal Electoral Amendment Bill, 2015, which amends the Local Government: Municipal Electoral Act, 2000 (Act 27 of 2000).
“The amendments address issues with a view to ensuring smooth preparation and execution of the 2016 local government elections,” the Ministry said.
The Refugees Amendment Bill, 2015, which seeks to create a more efficient and effective functioning application process for asylum seekers, has also been approved. – SAnews.gov.za
