IFP wants bill to streamline deportation process of undocumented foreign nationals

JOHANNESBURG - The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) wants to introduce a bill in Parliament aimed at streamlining the process of deporting undocumented foreign nationals.  

Its leader, Velenkosini Hlabisa, made this announcement at the party’s provincial council meeting in Johannesburg on Sunday afternoon.  

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Hlabisa said government must ensure those who are in South Africa illegally are returned to their home countries without unnecessary delays.  

Hlabisa, who is also the Minister of Cooperative Governance, has called for the revision of legislation governing the deportation of undocumented immigrants.  

He explained that the IFP has identified challenges in the deportation process, noting that it takes too long to remove individuals who are in the country illegally.  

While the IFP advocates for the deportation of undocumented foreign nationals, Hlabisa emphasises that this stance does not mean the party is xenophobic.  

“When the IFP campaigned last year, we were very clear that foreign nationals who do not provide a specialised skill and who are not documented must be assisted to go back to their countries.”  

Hlabisa said impoverished and underprivileged South Africans could benefit from employment opportunities currently held by undocumented foreign nationals.