Media Statement: Home Affairs Committee to Visit Musina Repatriation Centres to Ensure Adequate Capacity for Repatriation of Foreign Nationals

Parliament, Saturday, 4 July 2026 - The Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs will next week undertake an oversight visit to Musina, Limpopo, to assess the conditions and administrative capacity of the temporary repatriation centre established to process foreign nationals leaving South Africa. It will also conduct an oversight visit to the Beitbridge Port of Entry, one of the country's key land ports of entry for the repatriation and deportation of foreign nationals.

"The committee considered it necessary to undertake this urgent oversight visit to ensure that the temporary repatriation centre meets acceptable standards, complies with applicable humanitarian and international obligations, and has enough human resources to efficiently process all regulatory requirements relating to foreign nationals," said the Chairperson of the committee, Mr Mosa Chabane.

The visit follows the escalation of anti-migration sentiment that took place recently in the country, which has prompted coordinated action by several government departments and agencies to establish temporary repatriation centres that were initially established in Durban and in Musina later.

During the oversight visit, the committee will assess the conditions and administrative capacity of the temporary repatriation centre in Musina and conduct an in loco inspection of the Beitbridge Port of Entry to assess the systems and processes that are underway for repatriation of foreign nationals.

The committee will also verify compliance with humanitarian standards, human rights obligations, and immigration legislation during the processing of foreign nationals; monitor the Department of Home Affairs' coordination with law enforcement agencies, international migration organisations, and diplomatic representatives of affected countries; and assess the security measures implemented to protect vulnerable individuals throughout the repatriation process.

The committee reiterates its position that the framework announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa remains the credible pathway for strengthening migration management, improving border management, and ensuring the effective enforcement of the country's immigration laws. Furthermore, all government departments and entities involved in processing foreign nationals must carry out their responsibilities expeditiously to prevent unnecessary delays and avoid humanitarian challenges.

The committee also noted the commitment by the Border Management Authority for additional resources to ensure the timely processing of foreign nationals. As part of its oversight visit, the committee will assess whether this commitment has translated into tangible improvements on the ground and whether the additional resources are sufficient for efficient and lawful processing.

ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON HOME AFFAIRS, MR MOSA CHABANE.

For media enquiries or interviews with the Chairperson, please contact the Committee's Media Officer:

Name: Malatswa Molepo (Mr)

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