Almost 60,000 illegal immigrants intercepted trying to enter SA during festive season
During the 2024/25 festive season, nearly 60,000 illegal immigrants were intercepted while attempting to enter South Africa. This represents a staggering 200% increase compared to the previous year, highlighting the country’s ongoing challenges with border security and illegal migration.
Border Security Intensified
Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber revealed these statistics during a media briefing in Pretoria, where he outlined the significant strides made by the Border Management Authority (BMA) in curbing illegal migration.
With 71 ports of entry across the country, the BMA ramped up operations to ensure that only individuals with proper documentation could cross the border.
illegal immigrants
“The number of attempted illegal border crossings by undocumented persons that were successfully prevented increased by 215% this past festive season. In 2023/24, 15,924 undocumented persons were stopped, while in 2024/25, the number surged to 50,312,” Schreiber said.
Breakdown of Illegal Entry Attempts
Out of the 58,392 individuals intercepted, an overwhelming 50,312 had no documentation at all. A further 6,000 were found to have overstayed their visas, and 2,000 individuals were denied entry due to fraudulent documents or failure to meet South Africa’s entry requirements.
Schreiber emphasized that the strict enforcement of border control measures was essential in maintaining national security and preventing an influx of undocumented individuals into the country.
Crackdown on Crime and Smuggling
Aside from immigration control, the BMA played a crucial role in apprehending criminals and seizing illegal goods. During the festive season operation:
- Over 130 arrests of wanted criminals were conducted.
- Authorities seized illicit goods worth R690 million, including a large quantity of illegal cigarettes.
These efforts reflect the government’s commitment to curbing transnational crime and protecting South Africa’s economic interests.
Increase in Festive Season Travel
Despite the strict measures at the borders, over 5 million travelers moved in and out of South Africa during the 2024/25 festive season. This marked an increase of 51,000 travelers compared to the previous year.
However, Schreiber pointed out that these numbers are still lower than pre-COVID-19 levels, where nearly 6 million people traveled over the festive period.
Busiest Ports of Entry
The busiest entry points into South Africa included:
- OR Tambo International Airport – The primary hub for international travel.
- Beitbridge Border Post – A key crossing between South Africa and Zimbabwe.
- Lebombo Border Post – A critical transit point between South Africa and Mozambique.
These three border posts alone accounted for 81% of all processed movements, emphasizing their strategic importance in managing the country’s entry and exit points.
Enhancing Border Efficiency
Authorities also reported improvements in the efficiency of border processing, with:
- 66% of imports cleared within 30 minutes
- 74% of exports processed within 30 minutes
Schreiber noted that while these figures indicate progress in border operations, there is still room for improvement, particularly through the implementation of automated systems.
“These movements were generally efficient, but we recognize the need to enhance our border automation processes. This will help reduce delays and further streamline travel,” Schreiber added.
Future of South Africa’s Border Control
With illegal migration on the rise, the South African government is expected to tighten immigration laws and introduce additional border security measures. The success of the BMA’s operations during the festive season underscores the importance of strict enforcement and improved technology in managing the country’s borders.
As South Africa continues to balance economic opportunities with national security, authorities will need to ensure that legal travelers and trade can move efficiently while keeping criminals and undocumented migrants at bay.
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