On 28 February 2021, the Scalabrini Centre of Cape Town submitted written comments on the draft One-Stop Border Post Policy, which was published in the Government Gazette on 31 December 2020.

Overall, these written comments relate to the provision of international protection to asylum seekers and refugees, and other persons of concern in the context of one-stop border posts; the draft Policy’s omission of plans to prevent bribery and corruption; and concerns regarding the Department of Home Affairs’ capacity constraints in the implementation of a one-stop border post.

We welcome the draft Policy’s initiatives towards regional integration and greater
mobility in the SADC region, and believe the Department of Home Affairs should build on these by pursuing other initiatives originally proposed in the White Paper on International Migration.

Our written comments also highlight that the creation of a one-stop border post, as well as the implementation of measures to ensure greater efficiency at border posts, and in respect of visa processing, must always be in line with South Africa’s obligations in terms of international law.

To read our full written comments, click on the button below.