What was the purpose of the pass laws in Apartheid South Africa?

The purpose of the pass laws in Apartheid South Africa was specifically to control the movement of black South Africans. These laws were a central feature of the oppressive apartheid system, designed to restrict the freedom of movement for black individuals and enforce segregation. Under these laws, black South Africans were required to carry passbooks at all times, which contained details such as employment status and personal information. Failure to produce a pass could result in arrest and punishment, effectively limiting their ability to leave designated areas or enter white-only zones.

This restrictive measure aimed to maintain the socioeconomic hierarchy that placed white citizens at the top while severely limiting the rights and freedoms of black South Africans. It reflected the broader strategy of the apartheid regime to control and subjugate the majority population through legislation that systematically dehumanized and disenfranchised them. The other options do not align with the core intent of the pass laws, which was solely focused on movement control rather than housing, economic equality, or foreign travel.