Border Management Authority urges transport operators to comply with documentation and cross-border permit requirements as repatriation efforts intensify
As South Africa continues to intensify efforts to curb illegal immigration, the Beitbridge Port of Entry remains one of the country’s busiest border crossings, processing thousands of repatriated foreign nationals.
According to the Border Management Authority (BMA), the port has so far processed 6,709 Malawian nationals transported in 112 buses, as well as 1,521 Zimbabwean nationals transported in 26 buses for repatriation.
Since repatriation operations intensified late last month, a total of 8,230 foreign nationals have been processed through the Beitbridge Port of Entry. The BMA noted that this figure continues to rise as repatriation efforts remain underway.
The authority also reported operational challenges during the process. On the morning of 25 June, 17 buses carrying foreign nationals arrived at the port without the required Emergency Travel Certificates (ETCs).
To prevent congestion at the Beitbridge Port of Entry, the buses could not be processed and were instead directed to the Musina truck stop until the necessary documentation was obtained and verified.
In a statement, the BMA further revealed that a significant number of buses transporting repatriated foreign nationals were registered in South Africa but did not have the required cross-border permits.
“In line with the law, buses without valid cross-border permits are not allowed to cross the border. Furthermore, some drivers attempting to transport foreign nationals across the border were found not to be in possession of passports, which are mandatory for cross-border travel,” the authority said.
The BMA has urged all transport operators involved in repatriation activities to ensure full compliance with immigration and administrative requirements before arriving at the port of entry to avoid delays and disruptions.