Chairperson, hon members and our Minister, our guests and comrades, in considering the Immigration Amendment Bill, Bill 32B of 2010, the committee has proposed consequential and editorial amendments with a view to strengthening the Bill in accordance with its objectivess.
The objectives of the Bill are the following: to amend the Immigration Act of 2002; to provide for the designation of ports of entry; to revise the provision relating to the Immigration Advisory Board; to revise provisions relating to visas for temporary sojourn in the Republic and for the procedures with regard thereto; to revise provisions relating to permanent residence; to revise penal provisions; and to repeal provisions relating to immigration practitioners.
Section 198 of our Constitution states that national security is subject to the authority of Parliament and the national executive. This is one of the guiding principles for the National Council of Provinces in passing an important Bill, such as the Immigration Amendment Bill.
Indeed, this amendment seeks to prevent the abuse of the provision of our principal Act. The Bill also endorses the necessary screening process at the borders and ports of entry. Over the past 17 years of our democracy we have learnt that not all people who come into our country have the same interests. As such, we need to know who is in the country, who they are, what the purpose of their presence is and how their stay is going to contribute to our development.
To conclude, I must say that as the select committee we believe that this Bill is within the ambit of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and international law, protocols and conventions. This Bill goes a long way towards promoting our country's development, the rule of law and international co-operation. Deterrent penalties as proposed in the Bill will deter unlawful acts. As the Select Committee on Social Services, we support the Immigration Amendment Bill and ask the Council to vote on it. I thank you. [Applause.]
Debate concluded.
Declarations of Vote: