Cape Town Airport Boosts Immigration Staff Ahead of Peak Season
Cape Town International Airport (CTIA) has increased its immigration staffing by over 70% following the deployment of 48 assistant port control officers to address persistent delays for international arrivals. The new personnel – seconded equally by the City of Cape Town and the Western Cape Government – raise the total number of immigration staff from 66 to 114, in partnership with the national Border Management Authority (BMA). The intervention follows a staffing shortfall at CTIA, where immigration queues regularly exceeded global standards, with some passengers waiting up to 45 minutes during peak times.
The BMA has faced ongoing challenges, including a R4.3 billion budget deficit and critical vacancies, which have impacted port operations nationwide. Officials say the temporary staffing boost aims to safeguard the region’s tourism economy by ensuring smoother visitor processing ahead of the high season. Western Cape Premier Alan Winde and Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis both highlighted the economic benefits of the initiative, noting that faster airport clearance supports tourism-linked livelihoods and enhances visitor experiences across the province.
Source: IOL News
