The National Assembly (NA) has passed the One Stop Border Post Bill, with strong support from the Democratic Alliance (DA), with the aim of streamlining cross-border trade and improving State capability at the country’s points of entry.

The Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs recommended that the NA adopt the Bill without amendments and it will now be sent to the National Council of Provinces for concurrence.

Parliament explained that the Bill aims to establish a legal framework for creating shared border posts between South Africa and its neighbouring countries.

“It provides for the development of common control zones where officials from both countries can enforce their respective national laws in a coordinated and efficient manner. These zones are intended to improve the facilitation of trade and the movement of people, while strengthening security and cooperation at ports of entry,” it said.

The One Stop Border Post Bill aligns with the objectives of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Protocol on the Facilitation of Movement of Persons, which promotes economic cooperation, regional integration and sustainable development within the SADC region, Parliament explained.

Tabled in Parliament in September 2024, the Bill defines a one stop border post as a port of entry jointly operated by two countries at a single location, based on mutual legal and administrative agreements.

“It outlines procedures for enhanced cooperation, shared risk and information management, and reduced border crossing times. Each country’s laws will apply equally within the common control zones, ensuring that any violations are addressed through existing bilateral and trade agreements,” Parliament stated.

The Bill empowers the Minister of Home Affairs to conclude agreements with neighbouring States on the development and management of points of entry.

The framework also allows officials from either country to enforce border control regulations within the common control zones.

Parliament explained that once enacted, the One Stop Border Post Bill was expected to “significantly enhance” intra-African trade and investment by improving border efficiency, facilitating easier movement of goods and people and strengthening economic cooperation.

“It supports the goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area by promoting streamlined, modernised border management systems that can boost local economies and create employment opportunities across the continent,” it added.

The DA welcomed the passing of the Bill, saying it would help transform border management from the “legacy” of porous borders and fragmentation to a system of coordination, efficiency and integrity.

The party noted that the Bill was a “tested and globally recognised" model that reduces waiting times, limits opportunities for corruption and smuggling and enhances trade competitiveness.

DA spokesperson on Home Affairs Adrian Roos claimed that under Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber’s leadership, the Department of Home Affairs had worked “tirelessly” to professionalise border management, strengthen biometric verification, and integrate Home Affairs systems with those of the Border Management Authority (BMA).

“Already we are seeing the impact of the Electronic Travel Authorisation, which is being rolled out for G20 delegates from China, India, Indonesia and Mexico and is proving to dramatically speed up processing at border posts.

“What we are seeing is not just better infrastructure, but a new border governance philosophy — one that prioritises accountability and service excellence. For too long, inefficiencies at our borders have cost South Africa billions in lost trade, delayed exports, and reputational damage. This Bill responds directly to those challenges,” said Roos.

However, the party reiterated that for the BMA to succeed, the South African Police Services Border Police transfer must be completed urgently, and the authority must be adequately resourced to fulfil its new responsibilities.