As a result, migrants pay for asylum permits to which they are entitled free of charge.
The research, conducted by Tesfalem Araia, found that although the border with Zimbabwe was heavily policed, with large numbers of arrests and deportations, this was unlikely to alter long- term migration patterns. It seems that perceptions of strict immigration controls encourage the practice of smuggling, she wrote.
The strictly controlled environment creates opportunities for some individuals within the migration-control structure to engage in corrupt practices that undermine the work of their colleagues.
Most surveyed respondents believed they had valid grounds for asylum, but the vast majority (68%) were not aware of their right to asylum before entering SA. Hence at least 53% of those surveyed entered SA informally. Only 29% of those who crossed informally cited economic reasons alone as their motivation for entry.
The report considered human smuggling different from human trafficking in that smugglers generally do not exploit their clients once they have crossed the border. But, like human trafficking, human smuggling often involves fraud, force and coercion .
The study casts doubt on an approach of tightening border management, arguing this would increase migrants vulnerability without reducing informal entries.
Araia recommends the government root out corrupt practices among border control staff of the police, the Department of Home Affairs and the defence force.
Everyone who claims asylum at the border has to be provided with a transit permit allowing them to travel to a refugee reception office in the interior. SAs migration legislation should be publicised.
The government should consider issuing temporary protection permits for Zimbabwean citizens to ensure the growing flow of Zimbabwean nationals is effectively managed. A visa-free entry system should also be considered.