Meta Description
The Department of Home Affairs has opened 200 permanent government vacancies for 2026. Apply for Immigration Officer, Control Immigration Officer, Clerk and Mobile Officer positions nationwide. Closing date: 28 February 2025.
Introduction
Are you looking for a stable government job in law enforcement, immigration services, and public administration? The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has officially announced 200 new vacancies for 2026, giving unemployed South Africans the opportunity to build long-term careers in immigration control, border management, compliance enforcement and administrative support.
These Home Affairs jobs 2026 are ideal for candidates with qualifications in law, criminology, policing, public administration, forensic studies, or criminal justice – as well as individuals committed to national security, lawful migration management, and excellent service delivery.
With positions available across all nine provinces, competitive salary packages, and strong career progression pathways, this is one of the largest DHA recruitment drives currently available in South Africa.
Quick Overview / Programme Information
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme Name | Department of Home Affairs Recruitment Drive 2026 |
| Department | Department of Home Affairs (DHA) |
| Total Posts | 200 Permanent Positions |
| Job Categories | Immigration Officers, Control Immigration Officers, Clerks, Mobile Officers |
| Employment Type | Permanent Government Positions |
| Salary Range | R255,450 – R443,403 per annum |
| Location | Nationwide (All Provinces) |
| Closing Date | 28 February 2025 |
| Date Published | 06 January 2026 |
| Reference Numbers | HRMC 4/25 Series |
Purpose of the Programme
The 2026 DHA recruitment programme aims to strengthen national border security, immigration compliance, and enforcement operations across South Africa.
Key objectives include:
- Combatting illegal immigration and cross-border crime
- Enhancing enforcement of the Immigration Act and Refugees Act
- Strengthening national security and border integrity
- Supporting detention, deportation, and repatriation processes
- Improving public service delivery within the DHA
This programme is critical to upholding law and order within South Africa’s immigration system and ensuring compliance with national legislation.
Available Positions
1. Control Immigration Officer: Inspectorate (X10 Posts)
Salary: R376,413 – R443,403 per annum (Level 08)
| Province | Location | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Eastern Cape | East London | HRMC 4/25/1a |
| Free State | Kroonstad | HRMC 4/25/1b |
| Gauteng | Soweto | HRMC 4/25/1c |
| Head Office | Lindela Holding Facility | HRMC 4/25/1d |
| KwaZulu-Natal | Ethekwini | HRMC 4/25/1e |
| Limpopo | Polokwane | HRMC 4/25/1f |
| Mpumalanga | Emalahleni | HRMC 4/25/1g |
| Northern Cape | Upington | HRMC 4/25/1h |
| North West | Brits | HRMC 4/25/1i |
| Western Cape | Cape Town | HRMC 4/25/1j |
2. Immigration Officer: Inspectorate (X20 Posts)
Salary: R255,450 – R300,912 per annum (Level 06)
| Province | Location | Reference | Posts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eastern Cape | East London | HRMC 4/25/2a | 2 |
| Free State | Bloemfontein | HRMC 4/25/2b | 1 |
| Free State | Thaba Nchu | HRMC 4/25/2c | 1 |
| Gauteng | Soweto | HRMC 4/25/2d | 2 |
| Head Office | Lindela Holding Facility | HRMC 4/25/2e | 2 |
| KwaZulu-Natal | Ethekwini | HRMC 4/25/2f | 2 |
| Limpopo | Polokwane | HRMC 4/25/2g | 2 |
| Mpumalanga | Emalahleni | HRMC 4/25/2h | 2 |
Key Responsibilities & Outputs
| Position | Key Outputs | Previous Stipend |
|---|---|---|
| Control Immigration Officer | Enforce immigration laws, investigate smuggling & trafficking, court appearances, manage deportations, supervise enforcement teams | Not applicable (Permanent Post) |
| Immigration Officer | Monitor foreign nationals, conduct field investigations, assist deportations, collaborate with SAPS, ensure compliance with immigration laws | Not applicable (Permanent Post) |
Minimum Requirements / Eligibility
Control Immigration Officer: Inspectorate
- NQF Level 6 qualification in:
Law, Public Management, Public Administration, Policing, Criminology, Forensics, Criminal Justice - Minimum 2 years’ experience in a law enforcement environment
- Valid Code C1 or Code C driver’s licence
- Valid Public Driver Permit (PDP)
- Willingness to travel extensively and work irregular hours
Immigration Officer
- NQF Level 6 qualification in a relevant field
- Knowledge of immigration regulations and enforcement procedures
- Strong communication, investigation and problem-solving skills
Core Competencies & Skills Required
- Knowledge of the Immigration Act and Refugees Act
- Investigation and enforcement skills
- Case management and report writing
- Evidence handling and court attendance
- Ethical judgement and integrity
- Conflict resolution and negotiation skills
- Ability to work under pressure
- Collaboration with law enforcement agencies
Equity, Diversity & Transformation Commitment
The Department of Home Affairs is committed to:
- Employment Equity
- Diversity and inclusion
- Appointment of women and persons with disabilities
Preference will be given to candidates from designated groups under the Employment Equity Act.
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Download and complete the Z83 Application Form |
| 2 | Prepare a detailed and updated CV |
| 3 | Attach certified copies of ID, qualifications and driver’s licence |
| 4 | Attach PDP where applicable |
| 5 | Submit application online or to the relevant DHA provincial office |
Physical & Postal Submissions
Applications may be submitted to DHA provincial offices in:
- Gauteng
- Western Cape
- KwaZulu-Natal
- Eastern Cape
- Free State
- North West
- Northern Cape
- Limpopo
- Mpumalanga
- DHA Head Office: Pretoria
Possible Career Paths After Appointment
Successful candidates may progress to:
- Senior Immigration Officer
- Control Immigration Supervisor
- Border Management Authority roles
- Compliance & Enforcement Manager
- Policy & Immigration Compliance Specialist
- National Inspectorate Leadership
Government positions offer structured growth, job security, and access to long-term career development pathways.
Call to Action
If you are committed to safeguarding South Africa’s borders, enforcing immigration laws, and delivering high-quality public service, this is your chance to secure a permanent government job with long-term stability and growth potential.
Apply before 28 February 2025 and begin your journey in the Department of Home Affairs’ 2026 recruitment drive.