JOHANNESBURG - The National Council of Provinces has passed the Immigration Amendment Bill in Parliament’s final sitting of the year.
The legislation brings South Africa’s immigration detention laws in line with Constitutional Court rulings.
It amends the Immigration Act of 2002, requiring that any undocumented foreign national detained for deportation must appear in court within 48 hours of arrest.
A judge must then decide whether further detention is in the interests of justice before deportation can proceed.
Parliament says the changes strengthen judicial oversight, protect constitutional rights and provide clearer guidance for immigration officials.