HOME AFFAIRS

The IFP recognises that the Ministry of Home Affairs is charged with difficult and complex tasks which require a high degree of competence and integrity. Many important elements of government policy depend on the efficient performance of this Ministry in facilitating freedom of expression and movement, preservation of society values and domestic harmony. Department of Home Affairs personnel should be recruited from the best and most talented, and should offer the citizen, the would-be citizen and the visitor the most efficient service available.

Illegal immigration

While recognising the many problems associated with the control of illegal immigration and the necessity for dealing carefully, economically and effectively with the problem, the IFP position is that while compassion is necessary, illegal immigrants are law-breakers who pose a threat to South Africa by placing a heavy strain on the country’s resources. The IFP favours repatriation. However, the following considerations should be taken into account while advocating a policy of repatriation.

• There is an urgent necessity for more comprehensive statistics on illegal immigration so as to assist government in devising strategies to deal with the problem.
• Illegal immigrants must be treated fairly but firmly.
• While it is recognised that immigrants the world over can add value to a society, some do not. A clear distinction must be drawn between approved migrants, who have value for South Africa, and illegal immigrants who have none.
• Where deportation is employed it must be made effective.

The IFP favours increased vigilance and improved methods of monitoring along South Africa’s borders. Where necessary, the South African Police Services should be assisted by the South African National Defence Force, but only for as long as the SAPS and manpower shortage persists. A permanent inter-departmental committee to deal with illegal immigration should be formed under the direction of the Department of Home Affairs.

The creation of a separate security force for border control, the protection of state buildings and other specialised protection duties merits careful consideration to free police manpower for combating ordinary crime.

The privatisation of the departmental printing office should be investigated. A study should be carried out with the view to delegating responsibility for the compiling and safekeeping of public records such as births and deaths to municipal and provincial government.

As a means of deterring illegal immigrants, the IFP favours regional initiatives to increase employment and to combat crime.

Legal immigration

The IFP believes in the importance of recruiting desirable immigrants and advocates a points-for-skills system of evaluation. South Africa should advertise for skilled immigrants.

Political refugees

Political refugees must, in terms of international convention, be admitted into South Africa subject to stringent evaluation and supervision. South Africa should negotiate with other states on the subject of its limited capacity to host refugees.

Visas

The IFP favours the reduction of visa fees for would-be immigrants and the introduction of uniformity in respect of fees charged for other visas.