President Cyril Ramaphosa signed the Border Management Authority Bill of 2020 into law this week.
The legislation addresses a need identified by the government and diverse stakeholders in the economy (including tourism), for an integrated and co-ordinated border management service.
This will ensure the security of the country, the integrity and ease of trade, and the general movement of people and goods in and out of the country in accordance with the South African Constitution and international and domestic law.
The new Border Management Authority will replace the current challenge of different agencies and organs of government all playing different roles in managing aspects of border control.
“The integrated authority will contribute to the socio-economic development of South Africa and ensure effective and efficient border law enforcement functions at ports of entry and borders,” said a spokesperson for The Presidency.
The new law provides for the establishment, organisation, regulation, functions and control of the Border Management Authority, the appointment of its Commissioner and Deputy Commissioners and officials.
It furthermore provides for the establishment of an Inter-Ministerial Consultative Committee, Border Technical Committee and advisory committees, for the review or appeal of decisions of officers, and the definition of certain offences and the levying of penalties.
