The Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on Migration has in a statement reaffirmed government's commitment to providing humanitarian assistance to vulnerable foreign nationals affected by recent tensions, while insisting that immigration laws will continue to be enforced in a lawful and orderly manner.
In a statement issued on Friday, the IMC said it had taken note of concerns raised by the Siyafana Sonke Action Campaign about the treatment of migrants and foreign nationals in South Africa, including calls for greater humanitarian support, protection for vulnerable people and clarity on repatriation processes.
The IMC said government welcomed constructive engagement with civil society organisations and stressed that migration management would continue to be guided by the Constitution, the rule of law, international obligations and respect for human dignity.
The IMC also strongly condemned xenophobia, vigilantism and violence against foreign nationals, saying the management of immigration, deportation and repatriation is the responsibility of the state.
"Those who engage in unlawful searches, harassment, intimidation, assault or forced displacement of any person will face the full consequences of the law," the statement said.
At the same time, government acknowledged public concerns about irregular migration and said these would be addressed through President Cyril Ramaphosa's Five-Point Plan on Migration Management, which focuses on strengthening law enforcement, securing borders, improving migration systems, closing legislative gaps and enhancing cooperation with other African countries.
The IMC said humanitarian support remained central to government's response to recent displacement involving foreign nationals.
Government departments, provincial administrations, municipalities, health authorities and humanitarian organisations have been working together to provide healthcare services, food, water, sanitation and social support to affected individuals.
Special measures have also been implemented to protect children, women and other vulnerable groups, while government has coordinated assistance with embassies, consulates, faith-based organisations, non-governmental organisations and international partners.
The committee acknowledged concerns that some displaced foreign nationals had been sleeping in open spaces and other unsuitable conditions.
However, it said South Africa had in many cases provided humanitarian and logistical support beyond what is normally required under international repatriation arrangements, particularly where vulnerable people are involved or where receiving countries are still finalising logistical arrangements.
The IMC also sought to clarify what it described as misinformation surrounding the repatriation process.
It said repatriation is fundamentally voluntary and undertaken in cooperation with both the affected individual and their country of origin.
While South Africa is responsible for identity verification, immigration compliance, security screening and facilitating lawful departures, the responsibility for documenting citizens, issuing travel documents and arranging transport rests primarily with the governments and diplomatic missions of the countries concerned.
As a result, the IMC said delays in departures can occur because of administrative and logistical processes involving multiple stakeholders and should not be interpreted as a lack of commitment by South Africa.
Government thanked several African countries for working with South African authorities to facilitate the voluntary return of their nationals, including Malawi, Ghana, Nigeria, Mozambique and Zimbabwe, adding that engagement with other countries was continuing where necessary.
The IMC reiterated government's commitment to protecting everyone in South Africa from violence and intimidation, enforcing immigration laws fairly, working with foreign governments on orderly repatriation, providing humanitarian assistance where needed and promoting social cohesion while countering misinformation.
The committee said it would continue engaging with civil society organisations, including the Siyafana Sonke Action Campaign, as well as faith-based organisations, business, labour and community groups.
"Migration management and humanitarian protection are not mutually exclusive objectives. South Africa remains committed to pursuing both in a manner that is lawful, humane and consistent with our constitutional values," the statement said. – SAnews.gov.za
