Extra hours at busy borders

The department of home affairs yesterday announced extended operating hours and boosted staff numbers at South African ports of entry for the festive season as millions of people embark on their year-end trips.

The department briefed media at a workshop hosted in partnership with the Government Communication and Information System in Pretoria, outlining the festive season plans to be implemented across the South African border environment.

“Learning from past experience, sound planning is critical as we are likely to experience an increase in traveller movements, which exerts additional strain on available resources at ports of entry, while posing security risks and dynamics for South Africa and countries with which it shares borders.

“This makes it necessary to plan for and mitigate against illegal movements and other transgressions,” said home affairs spokesperson Thabo Mokgola.

During the 2015-16 festive period, a total of 5 303 555 movements were recorded, comprising arrivals and departures of South African citizens and foreigners. Of these movements, more than 3 814 000 were foreigners.

In the 2016-17 festive period, the number rose to 5 504 022 – an increase of 200 467, or 3.78%. For 2016-17, movements for foreigners reached 3 944 788.

Mokgola said Home Affairs Minister Ayanda Dlodlo had approved extended hours and additional staff for the festive period.

“Operational hours will be extended for busy ports of entry, covering pre-festive season movements, the festive season period and the reopening of schools – that is, from December 6 to January 16,” he said.

To ensure reasonable turnaround times and to avoid congestion associated with peak periods, the department has deployed additional staff at targeted ports of entry.

Mokgola wished all citizens and travellers a safe and memorable festive season, characterised by “only legitimate people and goods” being allowed to enter into or depart from SA. – ANA