Pretoria: The Department of Home Affairs has announced plans to enhance its immigration enforcement capacity through the recruitment of 301 new immigration officers. This initiative is part of a strategic move to address the current limitations in enforcement resources across the nation.

According to South African Government News Agency, the department currently employs 868 immigration officers. The addition of new officers will mark a 35% increase in enforcement capacity, bringing the total number of officers to 1,169. This move is part of a broader effort to overcome the severe resource constraints the department faces. Reprioritization efforts have been undertaken to accommodate the recruitment of this additional cohort.

The department is working in collaboration with National Treasury to secure further resources aimed at boosting digital transformation and capacity-building initiatives. This recruitment drive is a component of the department's comprehensive reforms to establish a secure, digital, and efficient immigration system that aligns with the national interest.

Dr. Leon Schreiber, the Minister of Home Affairs, emphasized that these reforms, known as "Home Affairs @ home," are designed to build an immigration system that functions effectively from start to finish. The strategy involves leveraging technology, such as the Electronic Travel Authorisation, to enhance lawful entry enforcement into South Africa, while also investing in frontline officers who implement the nation's laws daily.

By appointing 301 additional immigration officers, the department is making a significant investment in immigration enforcement capacity, strengthening the ability to uphold the rule of law and protect the integrity of South Africa's immigration framework.