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All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source. |
| SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY |
| REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: |
| Higher Occupational Certificate: Immigration Officer |
| SAQA QUAL ID | QUALIFICATION TITLE | |||
| 120684 | Higher Occupational Certificate: Immigration Officer | |||
| ORIGINATOR | ||||
| Development Quality Partner-PSETA | ||||
| PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY | NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK | |||
| QCTO - Quality Council for Trades and Occupations | OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework | |||
| QUALIFICATION TYPE | FIELD | SUBFIELD | ||
| Higher Occupational Cert | Field 08 - Law, Military Science and Security | Sovereignty of the State | ||
| ABET BAND | MINIMUM CREDITS | PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL | NQF LEVEL | QUAL CLASS |
| Undefined | 178 | Not Applicable | NQF Level 05 | Regular-ELOAC |
| REGISTRATION STATUS | SAQA DECISION NUMBER | REGISTRATION START DATE | REGISTRATION END DATE | |
| Registered | EXCO 0614/23 | 2023-03-08 | 2028-03-08 | |
| LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT | LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT | |||
| 2029-03-08 | 2032-03-08 | |||
| In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise. |
This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. |
| PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION |
| Purpose:
The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to function as an Immigration Officer An Immigration Officer examines and assesses the entry and exit of people at ports of entry, administers visas and residency applications according to immigration legislation, rules, and policies, and where necessary uses legal powers to detain and deport undocumented migrants and to refuse entry of undesirable persons. Typical graduate attributes include among others, attention to details, loyalty, honesty, and integrity, being trustworthy, security awareness and the ability to maintain confidentiality. A qualified learner will be able to: Rationale: The need for professionalisation in this field arises in part due to changes brought about by democracy in South Africa. With the adoption of a Constitution and the Bill of Rights, South Africa has increasingly become a country of transit, resources and migration destination. Thus, the need exists to professionalise the Immigration Services in order to deliver a world class service, provide a career path, transform the field and manage the challenges associated with globalisation and freedom of movement. There are other registered qualifications related to administrative functions at NQF Level 5. However, they are generic in nature while this occupational qualification is a fit-for-purpose qualification ensuring that the learners develop an in-depth understanding of the national and international legislation and conventions, as well as the national and international risks associated with this occupation and to ensure that the Sovereignty of State is maintained. This qualification is, with regards to specific sector needs, developed to address the need and demand within the immigration environment for officials who will be able to perform according to the given client service principles. The qualification will provide a vehicle through which to develop competent official performance of duties in the permitting section, ports of entry and the inspectorate. The transformation experienced in South Africa and the developments in the region have impacted on the roles and responsibilities of Immigration Officers and the nature and extent of immigration services. Hence the identified need to ensure that Immigration Officers provide relevant and professional services in accordance with international standards. Immigration has many benefits to the economy of South Africa, through facilitating foreign direct investment and solving skills shortages, thus placing a huge responsibility on Immigration Officers to screening applications in such a manner that it supports the economic growth of South Africa. Immigration Officers inspire confidence to the investors by ensuring that only legal immigrants with skills participate in the economy of the country, hence the need exists to manage the influx of migrants. Dealing with the influx of prohibited and irregular migrants helps to curb instances of corruption related to inter alia human trafficking/smuggling. Furthermore, illegal foreigners (as opposed to legal foreigners) need to be monitored in terms of their impact on national security, resources, infrastructure, environment, and services. The Immigration Officers' work in the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) provide high quality and non-discriminatory migration management, all of which are underpinned by and in accordance with sound policy directions, immigration law, constitutional, administrative and criminal law, international best-practices, South Africa's international obligations and changing dynamics of the global economy and politics. The Higher Occupational Certificate: Immigration Officer at NQF level 5 has been specifically designed for officials of the National Immigration Branch of the DHA. These officials may be deployed at a National, Provincial or Regional Immigration Service Centre. The qualification also meets the expressed needs of learners that wish to gain formal recognition of learning achievements in Immigration Service Management, as well as those learners who wish to pursue a career within the immigration discipline. Even though Immigration Officers currently employed at DHA are the main target group, as the need arises, unemployed youth may also enrol to serve the aims of the National Development Plan (NDP). Learning typical pathways provided by this qualification will enable learners the opportunity for professional development and career advancement within the broader constituencies of the Safety in Society through further studies in the areas of Paralegal Practice and Policing.These learners will contribute to providing a safe and secure environment for all the people in the Republic of South Africa. Immigration Officers can also embark on a management career in immigration services and support the desired organisational transformation and positively influence service delivery. Professional registration or licensing is not required to operate as an Immigration Officer. |
| RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? |
| Y |
| QUALIFICATION RULES |
| This qualification is made up of compulsory Knowledge, Practical Skills and Work Experience Modules:
Knowledge Modules Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 68 Practical Skill Modules Total number of credits for Practical Skills Modules: 62 Work Experience Modules Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 48 |
| EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES |
| 1. Conduct immigration services in compliance with the legislative framework.
2. Administer clearance of travellers on arrival and departure at a port of entry in terms of the Immigration Act to protect the sovereignty of the country. 3. Perform immigration inspectorate enforcement and monitoring to deal with contraventions of the Immigration Act. 4. Process permanent and temporary residence applications in terms of the Immigration Act. 5. Conduct research and general administration functions in terms of the Immigration Act and ensure safe-keeping of confidential information and face-value documentation. |
| ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA |
| Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
ELO1: Conduct immigration services in compliance with the legislative framework. Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2: ELO2: Administer clearance of travellers on arrival and departure at a port of entry in terms of the Immigration Act to protect the sovereignty of the country. Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3: ELO3: Perform immigration inspectorate enforcement and monitoring to deal with contraventions of the Immigration Act. Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4: ELO4: Process permanent and temporary residence applications in terms of the Immigration Act. Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5: ELO5: Conduct research and general administration functions in terms of the Immigration Act and ensure safe-keeping of confidential information and face-value documentation. Integrated Assessment Formative Assessment: The skills development provider will use the curriculum to guide them on the stipulated internal assessment criteria and weighting. They will also apply the scope of practical skills and applied knowledge as stipulated by the internal assessment criteria. This formative assessment together with work experience leads to entrance in the external integrated summative assessment. Integrated Assessment Summative Assessment: An external integrated summative assessment, conducted through the relevant QCTO Quality Partner is required for the issuing of this qualification. The external integrated summative assessment will focus on the exit level outcomes and associated assessment criteria. The external integrated summative assessment will be conducted through a combination of a theoretical and practical assessment at approved assessment sites conducted by the relevant QP. |
| INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY |
| International comparability was conducted using qualifications from Canada and Australia, in terms of their scope, levels and curriculum content. The purpose of this exercise is to compare the qualification against the existing and comparable best practices and standards internationally.
Canada: The Canadian Career Education College presents a Diploma: Citizenship and Immigration Processing and Enforcement Services. Learners have two options in terms of the delivery approach, namely, a 24/7 online access (distance education) or a face-to-face contact delivery in-class. The duration is 24.5 weeks and entry requirements are a high school diploma or equivalent or mature student status. The following are subjects that compare favourably with the Higher Occupational Certificate: Immigration Officer: Similarities: The comparison showed that the content of the two qualifications is very similar, and all the above listed outcomes and subjects are covered in the Higher Occupational Certificate: Immigration Officer, even though terminology and processes might be slightly different. Differences: The main difference between the two qualifications is the duration where the Canadian qualification is shorter by six (6) weeks. The six (6) weeks difference in duration can be accounted for by the fact that the Higher Occupational Certificate: Immigration Officer has a work experience component and includes administration competencies related to the administration of finances, human resources and procurement which is not the case with the Canadian Diploma. Australia: The Australian Catholic University (ACU) presents the Graduate Diploma in Australian Migration Law and Practice. This qualification equips students with the knowledge, understanding and practical skills required to practice as a qualified Migration Agent in Australia. The qualification is designed to be achieved in one year (full time) or two years (part time). It includes a Capstone exam which is designed to assess the cumulative knowledge in terms of the entire programme of study and is in line with the intended outcomes of the study programme. Successful graduates may seek registration to practice as a Registered Migration Agent. Entry requirements and level is not stated. The following subjects of the Graduate Diploma in Australian Migration Law and Practice compare favourably with the Higher Occupational Certificate: Immigration Officer: Similarities: The Higher Occupational Certificate: Immigration Officer and the Australian qualification relate in terms of content, final assessment, duration and learning outcomes. Both qualifications include aspects related to application of the legislative and policy framework requirements, communication, and research, as well as balancing the interests of clients and the broader social community within the context of social justice and ethical and professional problem-solving and decision-making in line with the Code of Conduct. Differences: The element of advocacy which is included in the Australian qualification and the registration required as a Migration Agent in Australia, do not apply in South Africa. Further differences relate to aspects such as a work experience component and administration competencies related to the administration of finances, human resources and procurement which forms part of the Higher Occupational Certificate: Immigration Officer but is not included in the Australian qualification. Conclusion This South African qualification, Occupational Certificate: Immigration Officer, compares favourably with the competencies covered in the international qualifications in terms of their scope, levels and curriculum content. |
| ARTICULATION OPTIONS |
| This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.
Horizontal Articulation: Vertical Articulation: |
| NOTES |
| Qualifying for External Assessment:
To qualify for an external assessment, learners must provide proof of completion of all required modules by means of a statement of results and statement of work experience as well as proof of successful completion of all subjects and modules or alternative qualifications where applicable. Additional Legal or Physical Entry Requirements: Criteria for the Accreditation of Providers: Accreditation of providers will be done against the criteria as reflected in the relevant curriculum on the QCTO website. The curriculum title and code are: Immigration Officer: 335102-000-00-00. Encompassed Trades: Assessment Quality Partner: |
| LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: |
| NONE |
| PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: |
| This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here. |
| NONE |
| All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source. |