NATIONAL NEWS - The interception of 13 children at various ports of entry across South Africa has prompted a reminder for parents and guardians to be aware of the requirements for the cross-border movement of minors.
This follows a recent report on the work conducted by the Border Management Authority (BMA) in the first quarter of the 2025/26 financial year.
Zululand Observer reports that BMA commissioner Dr Michael Masiapato said that of the children who were intercepted, five were unaccompanied and were therefore handed over to the Department of Social Development.
Eight who were with their parents were refused entry as they did not meet the entry requirements into the country.
Here’s what you need to know:
- A child who is under alternative care must produce a certified copy of an authorisation letter from the provincial head of the Department of Social Development before departure. Without this letter, the BMA immigration officer will refuse departure.
- Parents travelling with a child must also produce the unabridged birth certificate of the child showing both parents’ details. If only one parent is travelling, an affidavit from the other parent authorising the travel, or a court order granting full parental rights, or a death certificate of the other parent would be required.
- Where both parents are deceased and the child is travelling with a relative or another adult, approval from the director-general of the Department of Home Affairs must be obtained to permit such travel.
- In instances where an individual is travelling with a minor who is not their biological child, the individual travelling with the minor must also carry the child’s unabridged birth certificate, an affidavit from the child’s parents or legal guardian permitting them to travel with the child, copies of the parents’ identity documents or passports, and contact details of the parents or guardian. This is to ensure all travel involving minors is lawful and in the best interests of the child.
- Unaccompanied minors at ports of entry must present a letter or affidavit showing consent from one or both parents or legal guardians. If only one parent grants consent, a court order giving full parental responsibilities must also be provided.
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