Home Affairs Struggles with 306,000 Application Backlog as New Minister Faces Mounting Pressure to Resolve Crisis.
(The Post News)- The Department of Home Affairs is facing a massive challenge with a backlog of 306,000 applications, sparking concerns about corruption and mismanagement.
Minister Leon Schreiber has vowed to address the issue. Between January and April, the department reported a persistent backlog of applications, with a significant portion involving legitimacy concerns.
Some individuals have attempted to exploit the system, while others have employed deceitful tactics to legitimise their status, including foreign nationals who have used corrupt methods to legalise their presence.
The department has introduced initiatives to combat corruption, but effective implementation remains difficult due to resource shortages, inadequate training, and existing corruption, all of which contribute to the growing backlog.
Also contributing to the backlog are a lack of accountability within the department, inadequate training of bureaucrats in constitutional governance, and policies driven by a security cluster-orientated response to immigration issues.
Complacency, a weak organisational culture, and disregard for court orders have contributed to the backlog, worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The increased workload has strained resources, leading to costly court cases, unlawful deportations, human rights violations, and diminished trust in the government.
Minister Schreiber confronts a significant challenge in addressing the backlog and reinstating accountability within the department.
While the Minister has recognised the severity of the situation and committed to improving transparency, accountability, and effective leadership, it remains uncertain whether he can implement the necessary reforms to resolve the issues and offer relief to those impacted by the backlog.
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