SIHMA Press Review for April 2025

SIHMA Press review - World

03 May 2025

The Guardian

Labour targets international students claiming asylum after election losses to the Reform

The UK government is preparing new immigration reforms to curb asylum claims from international students, following political pressure after Labour’s losses to Reform in local elections. The proposal includes restricting students from taking low-paid jobs post-graduation, though universities and education officials oppose the move.

Labour MPs are divided on migration policy, with some calling for digital ID cards, while others push for social protections instead of harsher immigration controls. Meanwhile, the Institute for Public Policy Research is set to propose tighter graduate visa requirements, limiting eligibility to high-skilled professions.

25 April 2025

BBC

Pope saved my children's future by bringing us to Italy, says Syrian migrant

Pope Francis’s migrant advocacy was highlighted in his 2016 visit to Lesbos, where he reassured refugees: "You are not alone." He later took 12 vulnerable refugees to Italy, offering them a future. His visits to Lampedusa, Rome, and African nations have reinforced his commitment to migrant rights and dignity.

While his stance contrasts with hardening EU policies on migration, Pope Francis continues to urge global compassion and solutions beyond border enforcement, emphasizing human dignity over political restrictions.

24 April 2025

Council of Europe

Council of Europe plays major role in tackling migrant smuggling and preventing disappearances

The Council of Europe’s parliamentary conference in Strasbourg (23–24 April) emphasized combatting migrant smuggling and addressing missing migrants. Gianluca Esposito outlined existing tools, including legal networks, information-sharing platforms, and migrant-focused funding, while announcing new legal measures under the European Committee on Crime Problems (CDPC).

Following the adoption of Resolution 2569 on missing migrants, the event convened PACE members, legal experts, and civil society stakeholders. Esposito also met UN representative Gehad Madi, reinforcing international cooperation on migration governance

Africa

29 April 2025

News Agency of Nigeria

FG unveils revised National Migration Policy

Nigeria has launched its 2025 National Migration Policy, focusing on economic shifts, conflict-driven displacement, human trafficking, and talent retention. The policy integrates global migration standards, including the UN’s Global Compact, while encouraging brain circulation through academic partnerships.

Minister Yusuf Sununu emphasized educational programs on irregular migration risks and ongoing efforts to support Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs). Once approved, the policy will guide a collaborative approach between government, civil society, and international stakeholders, ensuring a structured and rights-based migration system.

25 April 2025

MWN

Algeria Expelled Nearly 5,000 African Migrants to Niger Since Early April

Algeria has deported 4,975 African migrants, including 2,753 Nigeriens and 2,222 foreigners, to Niger since early April, intensifying diplomatic tensions. While official convoys followed bilateral agreements, thousands of migrants arrived on foot, raising humanitarian concerns.

The expulsions highlight ongoing challenges in migration policy and regional cooperation, emphasizing the need for improved humanitarian support and a more structured migration governance approach to mitigate further displacement.

07 April 2025

Enact Observer

Human smuggling / The price of passage: inside Ghana’s migrant smuggling underworld

Ghana serves as a key transit hub for human smuggling, where migrants face exploitation, extortion, and severe abuse on their way to Europe via Libya. Smugglers recruit through social media, trapping migrants in cycles of dependency and violence, often forcing women into sexual exploitation.

Despite existing migration policies, the lack of job opportunities and legal pathways fuels smuggling demand. Advocates urge stronger awareness campaigns, digital counter-narratives, and economic reforms to combat irregular migration at its roots. Without systemic change, smuggling networks will remain entrenched in Ghana’s migration landscape.

Southern Africa

02 May 2025

Club of Mozambique

Mozambique, Malawi inch closer to new border pass system

Mozambique and Malawi are progressing toward a border pass system, supported by IOM under the World Bank’s SATCP initiative. The system aims to simplify cross-border trade, enhance security, and promote economic integration, covering four key transit points.

The Mozambique-Malawi Agreement is nearing completion, with plans for outreach to traders and local stakeholders to ensure smooth implementation.

29 April 2025

Vatican News

Faith and Fellowship: The resilience of Zimbabwean migrants in South Africa

Zimbabwean Catholic migrants in South Africa gather for monthly Eucharistic celebrations, reinforcing faith, social connections, and gratitude for economic opportunities. However, they also face security threats, documentation challenges, and fears of deportation.

The Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference (SACBC) leads initiatives in mental health, education, and pastoral support, while Pope Francis’ recent message of hope underscores their spiritual journey despite hardships. Faith remains a vital pillar, yet migrant protections and structural challenges demand urgent policy attention.

28 April 2025

IOL

Beitbridge bribery bust: BMA officials nabbed for letting undocumented migrants slip through border

South Africa’s BMA arrested nine individuals at Beitbridge Border Post, including officials accused of facilitating illegal migration in exchange for bribes. Authorities credit drone surveillance for enhancing border security, with more than 1,000 undocumented migrants intercepted over Easter weekend.

Despite advancements in enforcement technology, corruption within border operations remains a challenge, prompting continued efforts to strengthen governance and oversight.

South Africa

24 April 2025

The Mercury

Parliament urges Home Affairs to expedite migration policy reforms

South Africa’s Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs is pushing for accelerated migration reforms, asking the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) to finalise its policy overhaul by 2027 instead of 2030. Key concerns include outdated legislation, system inefficiencies, and border security challenges.

The committee called for urgent digitisation, better contract management, and improved IT infrastructure, while also criticising the underfunding of the Border Management Authority (BMA). Despite challenges, technological advancements, including drone surveillance and body-worn cameras, offer new solutions for enforcement.

Ultimately, balancing urgency with effective implementation will be key to ensuring a fair, efficient, and security-driven migration system.

22 April 2025

IOL

Drones help intercept over 1,000 undocumented migrants at Beitbridge

South Africa’s Border Management Authority (BMA) has ramped up drone surveillance, intercepting over 1,000 undocumented migrants during Easter. Commissioner Dr. Michael Masiapato emphasized that drones enhance efficiency, allowing officials to track river crossings and migration routes in real time.

However, challenges remain, including porous borders, trafficking networks, and limited cooperation from neighboring countries. While technology strengthens enforcement, addressing the economic drivers of migration will require broader policy interventions beyond security measures.

18 April 2025

African news agency

Border Management Authority commissioner urges immediate action on illegal immigration from neighbouring nations

Dr. Michael Masiapato, Border Management Authority (BMA) Commissioner, emphasised that South Africa bears the brunt of illegal migration, with neighbouring countries like Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Lesotho not committing enough resources to address the issue. He noted that socio-economic challenges in these countries drive migration but require high-level political solutions beyond the BMA’s control.

To strengthen border security, Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber introduced drones and body-worn cameras to improve surveillance and reduce corruption. Recent enforcement efforts led to the interception of 89 undocumented individuals and the arrest of seven facilitators aiding illegal crossings.

Despite ongoing challenges such as cross-border crime, corruption, and ageing infrastructure, South Africa is focused on technology-driven solutions, regional cooperation, and stronger legal enforcement to manage migration effectively. The success of these policies will determine South Africa’s ability to balance security with economic and humanitarian considerations.

 

 

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Tags:

• South African Immigration Enforcement
• Border Crime South Africa
• Migration Trends In Africa
• Xenophobia In South Africa
• Political Response To Migration South Africa
• Economic Impact Of Migration
• Human Trafficking South Africa
• Border Management Authority South Africa
• Home Affairs Anti-corruption Measures
• Undocumented Migrants South Africa
• Illegal Immigration South Africa
• Corruption At South African Borders
• Border Security South Africa
• South Africa Immigration Policy