MINISTER of Home Affairs Malusi Gigaba has said the white paper on international migration set out in 1999 is problematic.
He said this yesterday during the launch of the green paper on international migration at Freedom Park in Tshwane.
Gigaba said government decided to review the white paper policy.
“There is a lack of proactive management of international migration. This does not advance the national security or development of our country.
“The policy has not been reviewed since being put into place, even though new problems and risks have developed in the world,” he said.
“It gave rise to systematic corruption and exposed citizens to serious risks such as terrorism and the smuggling of drugs. Instability increased and skilled migrants were not recruited efficiently.
“Job opportunities were not expanding and this led to xenophobia and more instability. The policy can only be beneficial if it is managed in a way that is efficient, secure and respectful of human rights. The reviewed policy is aimed at laying a solid foundation for the country to manage international migration securely and effectively. It is in line with the National Development Plan.”
He said South Africa continued to receive a high number of asylum seekers from around the world. These included people from politically stable countries.
Political analyst professor Somadoda Fikeni said the green paper focuses on African interests.
“It will help South Africa to separate economic migrants from political asylum seekers. It will also attract migrants with scarce skills,” he said.
