Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber says his department has introduced deportation buses for illegal immigrants. Schreiber said this move is meant to enforce the rule of law by his department.

ILLEGAL FOREIGNERS TO BE TAKEN BACK HOME

Schreiber said any travellers are welcome in the country, but that's different from people who violate the country's laws. "So when you see these buses out on the road, know that your government is working for you; the Department of Home Affairs is working for you and we are working for you. We will apply the rule of law without fear or favour. Our message is very clear: we welcome any traveller, any investor, any tourist and any skilled person who wants to follow our laws and help us build South Africa. You will find no more hospitable country on earth than the people of South Africa, but that is different from people who violate our laws, people who don't want to comply with our rules." He said the buses have already deported over 200 illegal miners back to their home country, Mozambique.

SECURITY MEASURES

Schreiber explained that the Border Management Authority will also make use of drone technology to monitor South African borders. "We will also use body cameras for border officials to help combat corruption. The first set of drones have been flown in five ports of entry and they've proven to us how technology is essential to combating crimes on our borders. We now have eyes in the sky, and this is a warning to those who want to violate South African immigration laws, we see you," he added. Meanwhile, the department announced on Monday that it's extending its operating hours by two hours daily until 20 December. Offices will now close at 6pm instead of 4pm to help clients over the festive season. "These extended operating hours and process improvements are part of our commitment to delivering dignity to all our clients. We understand that many people are travelling over the festive period, which is why Home Affairs is going the extra mile to ensure South Africans get the documents they need to spend precious time with friends and family," Schreiber said.