BMA gears up for departure of heads of state as G20 summit enters final stage

The Border Management Authority (BMA) in South Africa has shifted its operational focus to coordinating the departure of G20 heads of state, senior officials, and delegations over the next 24-48 hours as the summit concludes. BMA teams are working around the clock with specialized functions for security screening, immigration, health, and biosecurity at key airports like OR Tambo, Lanseria, and Waterkloof, while participating in national security meetings and confirming no G20 movements through land ports. During routine checks at OR Tambo, officials intercepted 64 prohibited Chinese mitten crabs from a passenger, leading to an arrest and handover to environmental authorities. These efforts underscore the BMA's commitment to efficient, secure border management and biosecurity amid high-stakes international events.