Cape town: Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber says tabling of the One-Stop Border Post Bill before the National Assembly serves as a testament to the Government of National Unity’s commitment to intensify its work to generate economic growth and combat unemployment. ‘This Bill is set to create the framework for South Africa to massively boost regional trade and growth,’ Schreiber said.
According to South African Government News Agency, Schreiber briefed the National Assembly in Parliament on Tuesday, explaining that the One-Stop Border Post Bill will enable the Border Management Authority (BMA) and other stakeholders in the port environment to integrate and coordinate operations with neighboring countries through the creation of common control zones. The bill aims to speed up turnaround times at ports of entry by eliminating the need for cargo to be processed twice when crossing an international border.
Schreiber emphasized that the bill will allow for faster, more efficient, and more secure cross-border trade, advancing South Africa towards the vision of the African Continental Free Trade Area. He noted that the Department of Home Affairs is committed to driving rational and effective economic reforms that will deliver growth and jobs. Initiatives like the points-based system for skilled work visas and the Trusted Employer Scheme (TES) have already boosted access to high-end skills in the country.
The minister further explained that ongoing efforts are being enhanced through the implementation of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), which automates the application and adjudication processes for tourist visas. Schreiber highlighted that once final approval is granted by National Treasury, physical development will commence, marking South Africa’s progress in redefining efficiency and security at its ports of entry.
Schreiber cited studies estimating that a five percent reduction in border clearance time could increase intra-regional exports by approximately 10 percent. He reported that the first 200 ETA applications have been processed successfully for G20 delegates, and the system is functioning smoothly. As the ETA is rolled out to all tourists in phases, it is expected to significantly boost growth in the tourism sector.
The bill aims to regulate the establishment of one-stop border posts through international agreements, establish common control zones in the territory of an adjoining state, and authorize the application of the laws of the Republic and the adjoining state in the one-stop border post, among other provisions.