1. Yes, the Department’s enhanced Movement Control System (EMCS) is operating effectively. However, there are occasional challenges which may arise on individual work stations using the EMCS such as faulty scanners, which are then attended to within the timeframes as agreed with service providers.
2. The system is currently running on the SARS network platform and is managed by SARS as well as service providers appointed by the Department’s Information Services Branch.
3. Since 1 April 2017, no off-line situations on the EMCS at the ports of entry were reported which could have resulted in overstayers not being detected. The Department is able to detect persons that overstay as this is an automated process on the system.
(4)(a-b) The Department is capable to detect and prevent any fugitive attempting to escape justice from entering the country as there is a risk engine on the EMCS that accommodates various warning lists in the security cluster. Once these travellers are detected, they are either handed over to the Department’s Inspectorate Branch or the South African Police Services (SAPS).
5(a) The Department does not have access to databases of other institutions.
5(b) Information received on fugitives or international terrorists from other Departments such as the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) or SAPS are flagged and recorded on the Department’s warning lists which run against the Enhanced Movement Control System. The Enhanced Movement Control System is then able to prevent any persons appearing in these databases from entering the country.