STATEMENT OF THE INTER-MINISTERIAL COMMITTEE ON MIGRATION FOLLOWING THE RECENT CONSTITUTIONAL COURT JUDGMENT ON ASYLUM SEEKERS
The Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on Migration is acutely aware of the uncertainty, concern, panic and confusion that have arisen following the recent Constitutional Court judgment concerning asylum seekers and the impugned provisions of the Refugees Act.
The Chairperson of the IMC, Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi, wishes to assure all South Africans that government is fully seized with this matter and is treating it with the utmost urgency.
The IMC will convene an urgent meeting this evening with all relevant departments, legal experts and key stakeholders to carefully consider the implications of the judgment and to identify a lawful, practical and sustainable way forward.
South Africans should be assured that government remains committed to maintaining the integrity of our migration system, upholding the rule of law and safeguarding national interest.
At the same time, the IMC continues to implement the President’s Five-Point Plan to manage irregular migration, which includes strengthening border security, improving migration management systems, closing legislative and policy gaps, intensifying law enforcement against unlawful conduct, and enhancing cooperation with countries across the continent.
“We call on the public to remain calm, avoid speculation and misinformation, and allow government the necessary space to address this matter in a manner that is constitutional, orderly and in the best interest of the country” she said.
