New Minister of Home Affairs appointed in reorganization

IMPACT – MEDIUM

President Jacob Zuma has reorganized his cabinet, naming Ayanda Dlodlo as the new Minister of the Department for Home Affairs. Hlengiwe Mkhize, who served as minister since March, will move to Minister of Higher Education and Training.

Key Points:

• This is the second cabinet reshuffle in less than a year and comes shortly after the Department of Home Affairs issued a White Paper that overhauls the immigration system. The White Paper introduced a points-based system for work permits, a new skills and education levy on employers of foreign nationals and measures to root out exploitation of legal loopholes by economic migrants. Additionally, the introduction of a Border Management Authority has recently been approved to improve management of the country’s borders and points of entry.
• The cabinet reorganization may delay the implementation of some of the measures in the White Paper that require legislative action.

Background: Mkhize was appointed minister in March and continued to advocate the systemic immigration reforms proposed by her predecessor, Malusi Gigaba, who led the department since 2014. It is too early to tell whether and to what extent Dlodlo will continue to push for the reforms.

BAL Analysis: BAL will continue to follow the implementation of the immigration reforms in South Africa and whether it will change under new leadership in the Department of Home Affairs.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group. For additional information, please contact your BAL attorney.

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