The Southern African Liaison Office

The Southern African Liaison Office

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SALO Public Dialogue: Engagement on the Department of Home Affairs’ White Paper – 30 Jan 2024

SALO

SALO Public Dialogue: Engagement with the Department of Home Affairs’ White Paper on Citizenship, Immigration, Refugee Protection: Towards a Complete Overhaul of the Migration System in South Africa  

On 10 November, the Minister of the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) signed and released for public comment a document called the “White Paper on Citizenship, Immigration and Refugee Protection: Towards a Complete Overhaul of the Migration System in South Africa”. The deadline for public comment is 31 January 2024.

In the opening statement of the Draft White Paper, Minister Aaron Motsoaledi, says “The White Paper’s radical changes and policy framework…will no doubt bring stability, desired results for economic development and effective citizenship, immigration and refugee protection policy measures.”

However, the White Paper (WP) fails to present a coherent strategy to enhance South Africa’s immigration policy and lacks clarity in its policy intent and guidelines. In addition, it is unclear how the WP aligns with the Constitution, the National Development Plan: Vision 2030, and international protocols. The majority of the content, and the Minister’s opening statement in particular, suggests that this WP is a response to the administrative challenges the DHA has in providing integrated and quality services to migrants.

The WP is drafted in a manner that shifts the focus of South Africa’s increasing inequalities and socio-economic issues by pinning the problem solely on migrants. There is a need for a more principled, coherent and comprehensive policy framework that addresses migration challenges, including irregular migration, xenophobia, and integration of legislation related to citizenship, immigration, and refugees.

Key points of discussion included:

  • An analysis of the DHA White Paper;
  • Engagement on the shortfalls of the White Paper;
  • Engagement on a joint submission on a way forward;

A collaborative exploration of potential legal and civil society responses to the White Paper to ensure democratic principles and human rights, particularly for migrants living in South Africa

Watch here: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/6WFcBy54DQnZThmo/