Performance analysis of immigration operation by discrete event modelling and simulation

Abstract

Discrete event modelling and simulation were used to analyse the performance of immigration operation in Botswana. The relationships between length of queues of immigrants, queuing time, service time and engagem-ent of duty officer were investigated. Data collected by direct observation and clock-timing of processing immi-grant request at an inland office on a normal working day was used to determine whether to increase or reduce the number of serving officers to balance the operations. The findings indicated that the system of operation was balanced or fairly matched by 75 % utilization of the officer, average immigrant queuing time of 4.2 min, and required no changes. The pilot study could be replicated at other boarder posts and airports prior to the expected influx of tourists during the 2010 World Cup Football Competition in South Africa.