Undocumented Migrants: BMA/ CBRTA Operations; Traffic Register Number misuse: DHA investigation

Video A joint meeting of the Portfolio Committees on Transport and Home Affairs received briefings from the Border Management Authority (BMA), the Cross-Border Road Transport Agency (CBRTA), and the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) on border management operations, including Easter operations, and on Traffic Register Numbers (TRNs). The meeting was convened following concerns raised by Members of both Committees on border security, the movement of people and freight across South Africa's borders, and abuse of TRNs. The Deputy Ministers of Home Affairs and Transport outlined the importance of coordinated oversight and interdepartmental cooperation for ports of entry and cross-border transport. The Border Management Authority presented an overview of the Easter operations, highlighting the implementation of intelligence-driven border management strategies, the management of increased traveller volumes during the Easter period, and efforts to combat illegal immigration and other cross-border crimes. It outlined operational successes, challenges experienced at ports of entry, and interventions undertaken in response to concerns on the transportation of undocumented foreign nationals. The Department of Home Affairs in its briefing on Traffic Register Numbers (TRNs), outlined the origins of the system, the intended purpose of TRNs for temporary foreign residents, and concerns on the misuse of these numbers for activities such as opening bank accounts and purchasing vehicles. Members were advised that investigations and corrective measures were underway to address vulnerabilities within the system.