Wire · regulatory
South Africa needs smarter visas, not just harder borders
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Fusion42 · 29 July 2026 · Fusion42 review
South Africa is responding to anti-migrant sentiment by investing heavily in border securitisation and enforcement, including a R12.5 billion project to modernise land borders and a 35% increase in immigration officers. Critics argue this approach is costly and misdirected, as most irregular migrants enter legally from visa-free neighbouring countries and overstay their permits.
◆ ◆ The Wire takeaway
South Africa's move to securitise its borders and ramp up deportations puts your SADC employees at immediate risk. If you rely on talent from Zimbabwe, Mozambique or Lesotho, the legal status of your team just became a primary business continuity threat.
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