Question NW1057 to the Minister of Home Affairs
01 April 2022 - NW1057
Arries, Ms LH to ask the Minister of Home Affairs
(What (a) is the current total number of foreign nationals that his department has marked for deportation and (b) plans has he put in place for the children of the specified foreign nationals who (i) were born in the Republic and (ii) are attending schools in the Republic?
Reply:
(a) The figures of cases which are being prepared for deportation are 323.
(b) Illegal foreign nationals who are detected as illegal in the country, but found to have children or family units are issued with Orders to Depart and not deported, in order to allow them time to make their own arrangements to leave the country.
(i) Children born in the Republic
In cases where parents do not have legal status, they are issued with Orders to Depart from the country with the minor child, as they are attended to in the spirit of family unit principle.
(ii) Children attending schools in the Republic
All learners in schools (South African or foreign national) are managed primarily by the Department of Basic Education, whose policy allows for provisional registration over a 90-day period. At the end thereof, a study visa or proof of application at the Visa Facilitation Services must be submitted.
In cases where minors are unaccompanied, the Department of Social Development (DSD) becomes involved when requested to perform a background verification of the child, and this would be done with the Social Development and, International Red Cross where, necessary in the country of origin.
After tracing the child’s family, the family’s immigration status in the country is also verified. The DSD prepares report and can apply through the Children’s Court for a court order to place the child or relocate them to their country of origin.
END