Immigration Officer

The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to function as an Immigration Officer An Immigration Officer examines and assesses the entry and exit of people at ports of entry, administers visas and residency applications according to immigration legislation, rules, and policies, and where necessary uses legal powers to detain and deport undocumented migrants and to refuse entry of undesirable persons. Typical graduate attributes include among others, attention to details, loyalty, honesty, and integrity, being trustworthy, security awareness and the ability to maintain confidentiality. A qualified learner will be able to: • Conduct immigration services in compliance with the legislative framework. • Administer clearance of travellers on arrival and departure at a port of entry in terms of the Immigration Act. • Perform immigration inspectorate enforcement and monitoring to deal with contraventions of the Immigration Act. • Consider, approve or reject permanent and temporary residence applications in terms of the Immigration Act. • Conduct research and general administration functions in terms of the Immigration Act and ensuring safe-keeping of confidential information and face-value items.

The need for professionalisation in this field arises in part due to changes brought about by democracy in South Africa. With the adoption of a Constitution and the Bill of Rights, South Africa has increasingly become a country of transit, resources and migration destination. Thus, the need exists to professionalise the Immigration Services in order to deliver a world class service, provide a career path, transform the field and manage the challenges associated with globalisation and freedom of movement. There are other registered qualifications related to administrative functions at NQF Level 5. However, they are generic in nature while this occupational qualification is a fit-for-purpose qualification ensuring that the learners develop an in-depth understanding of the national and international legislation and conventions, as well as the national and international risks associated with this occupation and to ensure that the Sovereignty of State is maintained. This qualification is, with regards to specific sector needs, developed to address the need and demand within the immigration environment for officials who will be able to perform according to the given client service principles. The qualification will provide a vehicle through which to develop competent official performance of duties in the permitting section, ports of entry and the inspectorate. The transformation experienced in South Africa and the developments in the region have impacted on the roles and responsibilities of Immigration Officers and the nature and extent of immigration services. Hence the identified need to ensure that Immigration Officers provide relevant and professional services in accordance with international standards. Immigration has many benefits to the economy of South Africa, through facilitating foreign direct investment and solving skills shortages, thus placing a huge responsibility on Immigration Officers to screening applications in such a manner that it supports the economic growth of South Africa. Immigration Officers inspire confidence to the investors by ensuring that only legal immigrants with skills participate in the economy of the country, hence the need exists to manage the influx of migrants. Dealing with the influx of prohibited and irregular migrants helps to curb instances of corruption related to inter alia human trafficking/smuggling. Furthermore, illegal foreigners (as opposed to legal foreigners) need to be monitored in terms of their impact on national security, resources, infrastructure, environment, and services. The Immigration Officers' work in the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) provide high quality and non-discriminatory migration management, all of which are underpinned by and in accordance with sound policy directions, immigration law, constitutional, administrative and criminal law, international best-practices, South Africa's international obligations and changing dynamics of the global economy and politics. The Higher Occupational Certificate: Immigration Officer at NQF level 5 has been specifically designed for officials of the National Immigration Branch of the DHA. These officials may be deployed at a National, Provincial or Regional Immigration Service Centre. The qualification also meets the expressed needs of learners that wish to gain formal recognition of learning achievements in Immigration Service Management, as well as those learners who wish to pursue a career within the immigration discipline. Even though Immigration Officers currently employed at DHA are the main target group, as the need arises, unemployed youth may also enrol to serve the aims of the National Development Plan (NDP). Learning typical pathways provided by this qualification will enable learners the opportunity for professional development and career advancement within the broader constituencies of the Safety in Society through further studies in the areas of Paralegal Practice and Policing.These learners will contribute to providing a safe and secure environment for all the people in the Republic of South Africa. Immigration Officers can also embark on a management career in immigration services and support the desired organisational transformation and positively influence service delivery. Professional registration or licensing is not required to operate as an Immigration Officer.

• Conduct immigration services in compliance with the legislative framework.
• Administer clearance of travellers on arrival and departure at a port of entry in terms of the Immigration Act to protect the sovereignty of the country.
• Perform immigration inspectorate enforcement and monitoring to deal with contraventions of the Immigration Act.
• Process permanent and temporary residence applications in terms of the Immigration Act.
• Conduct research and general administration functions in terms of the Immigration Act and ensure safe-keeping of confidential information and face-value documentation.