Immigration summit in uMhlanga aims to tranform SA's system amid growing tensions

South Africa’s immigration landscape is poised for a major shake-up as policymakers, business leaders, and immigration professionals gather in uMhlanga this week for the Forum for Immigration Practitioners of South Africa's (FIPSA) Immigration Indaba 2025.

The one-day event takes place tomorrow in uMhlanga. Organisers say the Indaba is designed to foster strategic dialogue around immigration reform, skills development, and investment opportunities.

“This Indaba is not just a conference; it’s a collaborative space,” said a FIPSA spokesperson.

“We are creating a platform where government, business, and professionals can network meaningfully to align immigration reform with South Africa’s economic and social priorities.”

Senior officials from the Department of Home Affairs, Employment and Labour, South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA), and the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition are expected to attend. A recorded keynote address from the Minister of Home Affairs will open the event, followed by panel discussions and structured networking sessions.

Among the key themes on the agenda are the digitisation of immigration systems, the rollout of a points-based work visa framework, and the role of corporate and business visas in enabling trade. Delegates will also explore how immigration enforcement and border management can be balanced with national security and global commitments.

Delegates and speakers that are expected to attend include, the Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Njabulo Nzuza, Modiri Matthews, former Acting Deputy Director-General of Home Affairs, Wilna Barnard and Floyd Maluleke from the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, Lucky Tsoari and Nonhlanhla Ngwenya from the Department of Employment and Labour,
and representatives from SAQA and FIPSA’s management committee.

FIPSA says the event will highlight the importance of working with registered practitioners who adhere to SAQA standards and a strict code of conduct.

“Immigration sits at the crossroads of South Africa’s growth and transformation,” the spokesperson added.

“Together, we can build a smarter, safer, and more inclusive immigration system.”

The event is open to immigration professionals, corporate stakeholders, and government representatives. The Indaba comes at a time when South Africa is implementing sweeping changes to its immigration policies against the backdrop of anti-illegal migration formations like March and March (MAM) and Operation Dudula that are accusing the South African government of failing to prioritise South African learners.

The claim was sparked by the Department of Basic Education's school admissions policy which allows children of undocumented foreign nationals to register for school admission without any documentation yet local children have to have all their documentation up to date.

MAM and Operation Dudula recently celebrated a court victory against the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) whose urgent court application to stop the organisations from blocking access to public healthcare facilities was dismissed by the Durban High Court.

The court dismissed the urgent application, ruling that the matter lacked the necessary urgency and ordered the SAHRC to pay the costs. The court also found the application to be an abuse of the court process.

SUNDAY TRIBUNE