The policing of undocumented foreign nationals in South Africa
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Authors
Mabudusha, Sekgololo Angel
Issue Date
2014-06
Type
Thesis
Language
en
Keywords
Immigrants , Refugee , Asylum seeker , Undocumented foreign nationals , Illegal immigrants , Irregular immigrants , Unauthorised persons , Police , Migration policing
Alternative Title
Abstract
The increasing numbers of undocumented foreign nationals in South Africa not only has
affected the provision of services provided by the local municipalities and the Department of Home
Affairs but is also a huge challenge to the services provided by the South African police. The aim
of this study was to explore the police experiences of dealing with undocumented foreign
nationals in South Africa. A literature review was conducted to provide an overview of
this problem nationally and internationally. Interviews, observations and document analysis were
also considered to explore police experiences of dealing with undocumented foreign nationals. The
findings of this study show that the South African police are “caught between a rock and a hard
place” when dealing with undocumented foreign nationals within the constitutional framework
of this country. They receive little support from the government and the relevant stakeholders
on this matter, while on the other hand they are exposed to constant threats and lack of compliance
from the undocumented foreign nationals and the criminal syndicates that facilitate illegal
cross-border movements and the pressure from advocates of human rights principles and the media.
These factors lead to increased frustrations among police officials and self-protective measures
such as turning a blind eye to this problem.
To deal with the problem the Inclusive and Interactive Refugee Management Model, which focuses on
constant interaction among stakeholders, is recommended. Inclusive strategies are also
recommended for dealing with undocumented foreign nationals. This model supports a Left Realism perspective, which advocates collective responsibility towards human concerns
Description
Citation
Mabudusha, Sekgololo Angel (2014) The policing of undocumented foreign nationals in South Africa, University of South Africa, Pretoria, <http://hdl.handle.net/10500/13867>