South Africa to Launch Facial Recognition Border System to Combat Illegal Migration
South Africa is preparing to introduce a new technology-driven border management system aimed at strengthening security, curbing illegal migration and tackling fraud at ports of entry.
The system, known as EMCS 2.0, is expected to be launched later this year by Leon Schreiber as part of broader efforts to modernise border operations and improve the monitoring of people entering and leaving the country.
Speaking to the media on Thursday, Border Management Authority Commissioner Mike Masiapato said the new platform would rely on advanced technology to verify travellers more efficiently.
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Facial Recognition to Enhance Border Checks
According to Masiapato, the system will incorporate facial recognition technology and electronic verification processes, reducing reliance on traditional passport inspections.
He said the technology would allow travellers to move through ports of entry using electronic identification methods while helping authorities detect cases involving passport misuse and undocumented migration.
“The Minister of Home Affairs, Dr Schreiber, will, as we go forward in the year, ultimately launch the EMCS 2.0,” said Masiapato.
“That is going to be the new system deployed at ports, which is going to use cameras for the basis of what we call facial recognition, to enable people to come through the country through electronic means and no longer just depending on passports.”
He added that the system would help authorities address “passport utilisation, passport abuse, and the rest of the other issues regarding illegal migration”.
Drones Already Monitoring Borders
Masiapato revealed that the Border Management Authority has already deployed drones to monitor South Africa’s borders around the clock.
The aerial surveillance technology is being used to improve detection capabilities and strengthen the agency’s ability to identify unlawful border crossings in remote areas.
The use of drones forms part of a wider strategy to integrate modern technology into border security operations.
More Body Cameras Planned to Fight Corruption
The commissioner also announced plans to increase the number of body-worn cameras used by border officials in an effort to curb corruption at ports of entry.
He said the devices would help authorities monitor interactions between officials and travellers while providing evidence against those involved in corrupt activities.
“The issues relating to bodycams, we are looking at increasing the number so that we can be able to ensure that we also deal with that particular aspect in terms of ensuring that those within port who will attempt to be compromised by people without documentation will have to be effectively caught,” he said.
Masiapato stressed that the goal was to create a clean and transparent operating environment at ports of entry.
“We need to be able to ensure that in port, we have a completely sanitised environment so that we can deal with possible corrupt activities,” he said.
Push for Modernised Border Security
The planned rollout of EMCS 2.0 marks another step in South Africa’s efforts to modernise border management through technology.
Authorities believe the combination of facial recognition systems, drone surveillance and expanded body camera usage will improve security, strengthen oversight and reduce opportunities for illegal migration and corruption at the country’s ports of entry.
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