The impact and management of illegal immigration into the Vaal Triangle (1994–2008)

Abstract

The aim of this research was to investigate that whether the Department of Home Affairs has a proper, effective management skill to deal with the impact of illegal immigrants in the Vaal Triangle Region, since the Department of Home Affairs regional offices has the institutionalized procedures and mechanism to process and deport illegal immigrants. For the purpose of this study, the hypothesis was formulated that “the Department of Home Affairs in the Vaal Triangle is currently unable to manage, regulate and facilitate the influx of illegal immigrants into the region, due to absence of an effective management framework at governmental level”. To test the hypothesis, empirical research was undertaken to obtain valuable information through questionnaire and interviews. The findings from the literature review and the empirical research support the central statement. Findings indicate that the Department of Home Affairs has not managed on continuous bases to improve performance on rendering service, there is lack of experience and proper training among departmental officials, has not empowered the Departmental of Home Affairs border post personnel as a unity, they are complicated legislation, inappropriate infrastructure and lack of central planning. For that matter, stakeholders need to engage all procedures and processes that will lead to reduced influx of illegal immigrants. Through research, it was observed that the high number of illegal immigrants currently in South Africa suggests that the Department of Home Affairs, through its regional offices, is unable to deal effectively with the processing and deportation of illegal immigrants. The research offers valuable suggestions and recommendations to improve the challenge. It is recommended to further explore the possibility of a comparative analysis with other developing countries in order to understand the internationally accepted procedures to control the influx of illegal immigrants. The comparative study may assist individual countries to implement the best possible prevention measures based on the social, economic and political environment of their countries.