| Summary: | This thesis looked into the SADC region and the question of illegal immigration. It
selected the case study of South Africa. Currently there are more than five hundred
thousand immigrants residing illegally in South Africa. Findings of this nature
prompted a supposition that the country has a challenge to minimize this constant
inflow of undocumented migrants across its borders.
The study utilized the qualitative research methodology. Data was collected from
primary and secondary sources. Structured interviews were used to gather
information from relevant participants who work predominantly with immigration
matters. Officials from home affairs were interviewed in order to get relevant data
about illegal immigration in South Africa. The main focus of the study is on illegal
immigrants not on legal migrants entering the country with valid documents.
Theories that are utilized to analyse these study are realism and liberalism. Realism
theory was selected since it deals mainly with security. It's the responsibility of South
African state to protect its borders from unauthorised entry into its borders.
Liberalism is pertinent since it focuses on cooperation of states to solve common
problems. The SADC region is working together to minimise the high influx illegal
immigrants in the borders of member states. However the theory that is most
appropriate to guide the study is realism since illegal entry of illegal immigrants into
South Africa threatens its security.
The findings of the study determined that illegal immigration is aggravated by poor
border control in South Africa. Some of the borders of South Africa do not have
enough immigration personnel and they struggle with inadequate infrastructural
facilities. Many officials in border posts take bribes and permit illegal immigrants to
enter the country without legal documentation. The other challenges are the illegal
employment of immigrants mainly in farm areas, the crime of human trafficking into
South Africa and those who overstay their stay after the expiry of the visas.
The study also learned the causes of illegal immigration into the country. Outcomes
show that illegal immigrants enter the country because they cannot afford to pay for
visas, they desire a better life than they have in their countries their countries of
origin which at times are plagued with war, political violence and scarce opportunities
Iv
for economic development. Data from research confirm that South Africa has a
persistent problem of illegal immigration.
This study makes the following recommendations:
,- A needs based research should be conducted in all the borders of South
Africa to be able to assess the needs in these ports of entry to be able to
supply the relevant aid to maximise their operations and services.
A special force should be created to focus in the crime prevention of illegal
employment and human rights abuse of illegal immigrants in farm areas.
,- The government should develop organizations which will specialise in
educating the public about the methods of human traffickers. Emphasis
should be centred in rural areas since that is where the crime happen the
most.
'- There should be a formal training in institutions of higher learning to prepare
Home Affairs personnel to competently fill the posts in the borders of country.
i..- A specialised force with specialised training in immigration issues should be
developed to maintain security in the borders.
..- Political instability and human rights violation in the SADC region should be
alleviated in many member states because they accelerate the massive
migration of illegal immigrants into neighbouring states. === Thesis (M. International Relations) North-West University, Mafikeng Campus, 2013
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