There are ways on how to report illegal immigrants in South Africa. Foreigners that work with fake work permits are likely to be deported. Therefore employers face fines for employing illegal immigrants in South Africa.
With large numbers of people crossing the South Africa border without permission it is important to know how to report illegal immigrants. To avoid the economic, social and political problems that illegal immigration can cause.
Some illegal immigrants arrive in South Africa with hopes and dreams of a brighter future. But soon realize that the grass is not always greener on the other side of the border.
What is an illegal immigrant?
An illegal immigrant is a person who enters a country against the country’s immigration laws. A refugee, on the other hand, is a person who is forced to live outside their country in fear of persecution.
The Aliens Control Act of 1991 states that an illegal immigrant is someone who:
- enters South Africa at a place not defined as a port of entry
- stays in South Africa without having a valid residency permit
- acts in contravention of his/her residence permit
- stays in South Africa after their residence permit has expired
- has been prohibited from entering South Africa; or
- has become a prohibited person while residing in South Africa
The problems with illegal immigrants are:
- Loss of job opportunities for South African citizens
- An overburdened health care system
- Higher crime rates in the country
- Incidents of xenophobic violence
- Illegal immigrants have no protection under South African law
- Illegal immigrants may not work in South Africa
- People who hire illegal immigrants can be subject to heavy fines
- Overpopulation
Illegal immigration has become an issue not only in developed countries but also in relatively successful countries such as South Africa.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) estimated in 2010 that of the total 214 million international immigrants around the world, about 25.5 to 32.1 million immigrants (10% to 15%) are illegal immigrants.
Not all of these came into the country illegally. Some may be following the rules but have overstayed their visa or other authorized residence in the country.
One of the major problems of illegal immigrants is that they have left their home countries. Without carrying with them any assets or means for survival. Therefore they become a burden on the economy of the country to which they flee.
In South Africa there are about five million illegal immigrants (this is about 10% of the entire South Africa population!). This information was correct at time of writing.
Of these, an estimated three million are Zimbabweans. Anti-immigrant riots and xenophobic violence have been on the rise since 2007.
Making it important to learn how to report illegal immigrants in South Africa to avoid the undergoing this kind of treatment.
Reporting illegal immigrants is important. Because it allows the issue to be addressed and investigated legally.
How to report an illegal immigrant:
If you know of or suspect that someone is an illegal immigrant in South Africa, you should inform and approach law officials such as the South African Police Services (SAPS).
If you know the illegal immigrants are in your area you can phone or visit your local police station to report them.
- Gather any information you can about the illegal immigrant (including first name, surname and address) to the officials.
- Provide your own name and contact details and include any suspicions or other information you may have to help the officials as best you can.
The Immigration Services (IMS) Inspectorate Online
You can report illegal immigrants through the contact details of the Immigration Services (IMS) Inspectorate.
Go to the South African Home Affairs page at www.dha.gov.za to report illegal immigrants in South Africa.
This Government department has experience in dealing with illegal immigrants. Their contact details can be found by following the link above.
Report illegal immigrants anonymously online or via SMS
You can use the anonymous tip-off service Crime Line if you wish to report the illegal immigrant anonymously. So you can send an anonymous tip-off at www.crimeline.co.za or send an SMS to the number 32211.
In addition, another website where you can tip off authorities anonymously about illegal activities is www.turnitaround.co.za.
Options are available to illegal immigrants
Illegal immigrants in South Africa do have the option of applying for permanent residency or a work permit at the Department of Home Affairs.
The problem with this is that they will be competing with many other illegal immigrants. Therefore more than likely won’t qualify for residency or a work permit.
This means that they will be exiled from the country. So this is why many immigrants choose to remain illegal immigrants in South Africa. Rather than approaching the authorities who may deport them.
In Conclusion
To conclude, unlawful foreigners in South Africa are a growing concern.
Because they take jobs and opportunities away from local citizens and Permanent Residents of SA.
Read more about illegal foreigners in South Africa here: Illegal Immigrants in South Africa
People who are born elsewhere are of course welcome in this country. However there are laws, rules and regulations that are important to follow and obey.
So when foreigners enter the country through unlawful means it is important that we report illegal immigrants in South Africa.
Because it has to be fair for those who work hard to be here through the legal process.