The Border Management Authority (BMA) in South Africa has refuted reports alleging that Third-Country Nationals (TCNs) deported from the US and temporarily housed in Eswatini are secretly crossing into South Africa through informal border points. According to the BMA, South Africa's land ports of entry with Eswatini are fully secured, with strict access control measures enforced at designated entry and exit points. The authority emphasized its commitment to maintaining a strong presence across the country's ports of entry.
The BMA's statement comes amid controversy surrounding an agreement between the Eswatini government and the US, in which Eswatini accepted up to 160 TCNs deported from the US in exchange for $5.1m in funding. The deportees originate from various nations, including Vietnam, Cuba, Laos, Yemen, the Philippines, Tanzania, Sudan, and Somalia, many of whom have criminal records for severe offences such as rape and murder. The BMA assured that it continues to conduct border surveillance and enforcement operations to prevent and detect unlawful entry.
The BMA also clarified that international transit passengers passing through South African airports remain in designated transfer areas without officially entering the country. Therefore, any attempt to circumvent formal ports of entry is subject to detection and immediate enforcement action. The authority's stance is that it dismisses claims that deportees are entering South Africa through informal border crossings.
In response to the situation, the Eswatini government clarified that three TCNs, nationals of Yemen, Belize, and Laos, recently returned to their countries of origin voluntarily upon their own request. According to Eswatini government spokesperson Thabile Mdluli, these departures form part of the ongoing arrangements concerning Third-Country Nationals temporarily residing in the Kingdom.
The Eswatini government reiterated its commitment to protecting the rights of TCNs while ensuring a smooth and orderly process for those returning home. The government expressed gratitude to international partners assisting with the logistics and emphasized its engagement with relevant authorities and partners to facilitate requests for voluntary repatriation.
The BMA's efforts to secure South Africa's borders are supported by other law enforcement agencies, which work together to prevent and detect unlawful entry, including human smuggling and trafficking. The authority's statement aims to alleviate concerns regarding the alleged illegal crossing of US deportees into South Africa.
Key aspects of the situation include the BMA's assurance of secure borders, the voluntary repatriation of TCNs, and the commitment of the Eswatini government to protecting the rights of TCNs.
Key points
- The BMA has dismissed claims of US deportees entering South Africa through informal border crossings from Eswatini.
- The Eswatini government has facilitated voluntary repatriation of TCNs to their countries of origin.
- South Africa's land ports of entry with Eswatini are fully secured with strict access control measures.
