# immigration paper

- Link: https://dearsouthafrica.co.za/immigration-paper/
- Published: 2026-02-12T11:24:52+02:00
- Author: dearSA

_Advert_

_Advert – scroll down_

![The Department of Home Affairs has released the Draft Revised White Paper on Citizenship,
Immigration and Refugee Protection.](https://cdn.dearsouthafrica.co.za/wp-content/
uploads/2026/02/12111225/IMMIGRATION-header.jpg "IMMIGRATION header")

![DEAR-SOUTH-AfFRICA](https://cdn.dearsouthafrica.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/
02/08135845/DEAR-SOUTH-AfFRICA.png "DEAR-SOUTH-AfFRICA")

0

comments individually delivered to the Minister, so far

       * No I do not support the white paper 4316
       * Yes I do 621
       * Not fully 685

### 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.

[ view a report, all comments, documents and videos](https://dearsouthafrica.co.za/immigration-paper/summary)

## Have your say – shape the paper. [CLOSED] 

**Do you support the draft Revised White Paper on Citizenship Immigration and Refugee
Protection as published by the DHA? **

**What is your top concern? (scroll down for an explanation of each point) **

the fields below are optional ——————————

**What is your preferred channel for feedback on this campaign?**

**Your preferred language?**

**What is your status? (for our reporting purposes only) **

 **Check your email address then hit send! You will be redirected to a confirmation
page. **

![D-icon](https://cdn.dearsouthafrica.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/11192438/
D-icon-40x40-1.png "D-icon-40x40")

### _Top concerns_

[Mass Surveillance (The "Intelligent Population Register")](https://dearsouthafrica.co.za/immigration-paper/#1770131112026-5a70eb21-10f1)

The creation of a single, mandatory digital database containing the biometric and
biographical data of all citizens and residents.

[Warrantless Access](https://dearsouthafrica.co.za/immigration-paper/#1770131112043-0e75ef86-4b6c)

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).

[Citizenship Reform](https://dearsouthafrica.co.za/immigration-paper/#1770131281853-5866958a-b51c)

A shift from “time-based” citizenship (5 years residence) to a “merit-based” system
decided by a government panel.

["First Safe Country" Rule](https://dearsouthafrica.co.za/immigration-paper/#1770131323251-266a4851-6c9c)

Denial of asylum to refugees who traveled through other safe countries to reach 
SA.

### _Perspectives: What is the debate?_

[What SUPPORTERS say (The "National Security & Growth" Argument)](https://dearsouthafrica.co.za/immigration-paper/#1770892117175-dfc38055-c838)

    - _“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.

[What OPPONENTS say (The "Privacy & Rights" Argument)](https://dearsouthafrica.co.za/immigration-paper/#1770892117205-3c7c32e1-ce3d)

    - _“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.

[ View more info](https://dearsouthafrica.co.za/immigration-paper/summary)