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South Africa's 2015 immigration regulations and the controversy concerning the right of the child traveller

Over the years, human trafficking has become one of the fastest growing crimes in the world. According to a report of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Women and Children account for 75 percent of trafficked victims. Between 2007 and 2010, children accounted for 20 percent of the trafficked victims which is approximately 1343 children per year. Sadly, these statistics continue to rise annually. It is from this premise that no one can doubt the rationale behind the 2015 Immigration Regulations that affect children travelling in and out of South Africa. However, in terms of section 28 (2) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, it is a prerequisite that in any matter affecting a child, the best interest of the child be of paramount importance. This mini dissertation seeks to establish whether these Immigration Regulations which initially came into effect in May 2014, are in the best interest of child travellers. This has been done by looking at the old system which regulated the movement of children; its loopholes and shortcomings, thereby establishing whether Regulation 6 (12) is a panacea or in fact the hallmark of a series of problems that have a detrimental effect on the well-being as well as the rights of the child. The research methodology is mainly based on a study of existing literature. This largely includes internet sources, national legislation, regional and international instruments as well as case law. The South African Immigration Act 2002 is the primary reference with regards to regulatory information. However, lessons are drawn from legislation from other jurisdictions, notably Zimbabwean Immigration laws as well as those of Namibia. This is because South Africa shares a border with Zimbabwe and it also has a historical connection with Namibia and has good relations with both States. The mini dissertation analyses the impact of the 2015 Immigration Regulations not only on children but on other sectors as well. Lastly, the latter makes recommendations on how to improve these Regulations without affecting the best interest of child travellers.

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:ufh/vital:27890
Date January 2016
CreatorsMuvhevhi, Roseline Rumbidzai
PublisherUniversity of Fort Hare, Faculty of Law
Source SetsSouth African National ETD Portal
LanguageEnglish
Detected LanguageEnglish
TypeThesis, Masters, MA (Human Rights)
Format72 leaves, pdf
RightsUniversity of Fort Hare

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