The 13-member board advises the Minister of Home Affairs on issues related to immigration policy, strategy and implementation.
Immigration rights groups are cautiously optimistic about the appointment of the Immigration Advisory Committee to advise Home Minister Leon Schreiber on matters related to immigration policy, strategy and implementation.
The board, which falls under Section 4 of the Immigration Act, has been revitalized this week for the first time in 10 years.
Five of the 13 board members are independent, including James Chapman, director of advocacy and legal counsel for Cape Town’s immigration rights organization Scalabrini Centre. Mavuso Msimang, former Secretary of the Interior, was chaired. Andreas Krensel, owner of IBN Immigration Solutions, as vice-chairman. immigration lawyers Zahida Ebrahim and Stephanie de Sword Dalbandi.
Two board members are appointed to represent organized business and labor, with six members representing different government departments.
Chapman told Groundup he looks forward to working closely with government officials to protect the rights of refugees and asylum seekers.
“I look forward to constructive discussions ensuring the rights and dignity of all people living in South Africa… I look forward to the Board, coupled with their experience, to give good advice to the Minister, to go with an open mind,” he said.
Last year, Scalabrini returned to court to stop the arrest and deportation of asylum seekers, claiming that the new interview process introduced in 2018 was unconstitutional. Activists claim it blocks access to the asylum system, which risks sending people back to dangerous situations in their home country. Scalabrini won a court order that prevents deportation of people who apply for asylum but are not arrested.
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The second part of Scalabrini’s trial, which argued that amendments to the refugee law are unconstitutional, was heard at the Western Cape High Court in February. The judgment has been reserved.
Chris Maplering, chairman of the Zimbabwe Support Network, said the immigration system must change early in order for poor immigrants and refugees to be documented.
Mapingure advises the board of directors on immigrant arrests and deportation, and hopes to avoid returning to the precarious situation in their home country.
Mike Nrob, a xenophobia native from Copanan Africa, criticized the minister for not appointing a civil society representative to the board.
“We invite Minister Schreiber and IAB members to meet with immigration advocacy groups and affected communities before making recommendations that affect the lives of millions of people,” he said.
