South Africa's Parliament has raised concerns over the underfunding of the Border Management Authority (BMA), warning that resource constraints could undermine border security and immigration management despite authorities processing more than 45,000 undocumented foreign nationals for deportation and repatriation within days.

The concern was raised by the Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs following the first day of an urgent oversight visit to the Temporary Repatriation Processing Centre (TRPC) in Musina, Limpopo, where lawmakers assessed the country's response to a surge in undocumented migrants. 

The issue is significant because the BMA is responsible for securing South Africa's ports of entry and managing cross-border movements, with funding shortages potentially affecting its ability to sustain large-scale operations.

The committee said it was satisfied with the coordination between the Department of Home Affairs, law enforcement agencies, municipalities, diplomatic missions and humanitarian organisations involved in processing undocumented foreign nationals. 

However, members said the BMA's funding challenges remain a concern and indicated they would await a comprehensive report from the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Migration once the repatriation process is completed.

Committee chairperson Mosa Chabane said lawmakers were encouraged by the efficiency of the operation after being informed that more than 38,000 foreign nationals had been processed by July 4, with the cumulative figure now exceeding 45,000.

He said the committee's role was to ensure immigration systems remain lawful, efficient, humane and capable of meeting operational demands while complying with the Constitution, immigration legislation and South Africa's international obligations.

The TRPC, established under the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Migration, was created to register, verify and process undocumented foreign nationals while providing humanitarian assistance, including food and healthcare. The facility, located on land owned by the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, can accommodate up to 20,000 people at a time.

The funding concerns come as South Africa continues to manage increased migration flows through its northern border. Limited resources for the BMA could affect border surveillance, immigration enforcement and the processing of undocumented migrants if current volumes continue.

The issue is also significant for neighbouring Zimbabwe, which has experienced a sharp rise in the number of citizens returning from South Africa in recent weeks.

According to the Zimbabwean government, 58,768 Zimbabweans returned home over the past two weeks. Of these, 47,703 travelled using their own means while 11,065 were repatriated through coordinated government programmes. The assisted returnees included 2,449 men, 2,407 women and 4,955 minors.

The increase has placed additional pressure on authorities and humanitarian agencies at the Beitbridge Border Post, where returning Zimbabweans are being processed before travelling to their destinations.

Funding shortages may affect operational capacity and border management.

Processing and repatriation depend on available infrastructure and resources.

By the numbers

Foreign nationals processed in South Africa: More than 45,000

TRPC accommodation capacity: 20,000 people

Zimbabweans who returned home in two weeks: 58,768

Returned voluntarily: 47,703

Government-assisted repatriations: 11,065

The oversight visit follows increased migration and repatriation activity after a June 30 deadline issued by anti-illegal immigration groups prompted a surge in voluntary departures and government-assisted returns from South Africa. Parliament said the visit forms part of its constitutional responsibility to ensure immigration laws are implemented lawfully while protecting the rights and dignity of affected individuals.

While Parliament has highlighted the BMA's underfunding, it has not disclosed the extent of the funding gap or whether additional budget allocations will be made. Lawmakers are expected to receive a comprehensive report from the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Migration after the repatriation process concludes.

The committee is continuing its oversight visit at the Beitbridge Port of Entry, where it will assess border management operations and the implementation of repatriation processes. The findings are expected to inform Parliament's oversight of immigration management and future discussions on funding for the Border Management Authority.