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- No I do not support the white paper 541
- Yes I do 42
- Not fully 77
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The Department of Home Affairs has released the Draft Revised White Paper on Citizenship, Immigration and Refugee Protection.
This policy proposes a complete overhaul of how South Africa handles migration, moving away from systems based on years of residence toward a “merit-based” approach.
While framed as an overhaul of immigration laws, the document contains a far-reaching proposal to create a mandatory “Intelligent Population Register” for all people in South Africa. This policy does not just affect migrants; it affects every South African citizen.
click the link for more info, or scroll down to have your say
Have your say – shape the paper.
Top concerns
The creation of a single, mandatory digital database containing the biometric and biographical data of all citizens and residents.
The proposal suggests that the South African Police Service (SAPS) and State Security Agency (SSA) could access this private data without a warrant, raising serious Constitutional privacy concerns (Section 14).
A shift from “time-based” citizenship (5 years residence) to a “merit-based” system decided by a government panel.
Denial of asylum to refugees who traveled through other safe countries to reach SA.
Perspectives: What is the debate?
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- “We need to know who is in our country.”
Supporters argue that the current system is chaotic and that a mandatory Intelligent Population Register is the only way to secure the state, reduce identity fraud, and stop syndicates from selling fake South African IDs. - “Citizenship should be earned, not waited for.”
They believe the shift to a Merit-Based System is smart economics. Instead of giving citizenship to anyone who simply waits 5 years, South Africa should prioritize people who bring skills, investment, and jobs—similar to systems in Australia or Canada. - “Stop Asylum Shopping.”
Supporters back the “First Safe Country” rule, arguing that South Africa cannot carry the burden for the entire continent. If a refugee travels through safe countries (like Tanzania or Zambia) to get here, they should have sought protection there first.
- “We need to know who is in our country.”
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- “This is mass surveillance disguised as immigration reform.”
Opponents warn that the Intelligent Population Register allows the police and State Security Agency to access your private biometric data without a warrant. They argue this creates a “police state” capability that violates Section 14 (Privacy) of the Constitution. - “It punishes the vulnerable.”
Critics argue that the “First Safe Country” principle is practically impossible to enforce fairly and will result in genuine refugees being turned away to face persecution, violating international human rights. - “The system is broken, not the law.”
Many argue that the Department of Home Affairs is already failing to process basic documents due to corruption and incompetence. Handing them more power and a massive new digital system will likely result in more chaos and looting, rather than efficiency.
- “This is mass surveillance disguised as immigration reform.”