International visitors to Cape Town International Airport (CTIA) can expect smoother arrivals thanks to a major boost in immigration capacity.

On Monday, 18 August, Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber, Western Cape Premier Alan Winde, and Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis launched a joint initiative between the Border Management Authority (BMA), the Western Cape Government, and the City of Cape Town.

The partnership will see 48 assistant port control officers (24 each from the City and Province) seconded to the airport, nearly doubling immigration processing capacity from 66 to 114 officials.

The officers will assist with customs and processing duties, while additional City law enforcement members will also provide additional safety functions.

Minister Schreiber said the move demonstrates how government can work together to overcome resource constraints while boosting security, tourism and jobs.

Premier Winde added that the initiative supports the province’s economic strategy to attract more tourists and create work opportunities.

Mayor Hill-Lewis emphasised that faster processing means visitors spend less time in queues and more time enjoying Cape Town, which in turn benefits local businesses across the tourism economy.

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