A total of 86 undocumented foreign nationals were taken to KuGompo City police for verification and further processing following an immigration compliance operation conducted across the city on Monday.
The operation, carried out by the Eastern Cape Missing Person & Trafficking Unit, in collaboration with the department of home affairs immigration and KuGompo public order police, targeted several areas in the city, including Buffalo Street, College Street, Quigney and Fleet Street.
Authorities focused on individuals suspected of being in SA without valid passports, visas, permits or other legally required immigration documentation.
Those taken to the police station will undergo verification to establish their immigration status, with authorities stressing that the process will be conducted in accordance with SA’s immigration laws.
According to the unit, the operation forms part of ongoing efforts by law-enforcement and immigration authorities to strengthen compliance with immigration legislation and address undocumented migration.
Authorities have not indicated how many of those detained may ultimately face deportation or other immigration-related action, as their status still needs to be determined through the appropriate legal processes.
The operation comes amid continued efforts by law-enforcement agencies to conduct compliance operations across KuGompo City.
