Articles Archive

Fort Hare professor expelled from SA over bigamous marriage PhD graduate who renounced his Nigerian citizenship has nowhere to go

Edwin Okey Chikata Ijeoma, a professor of public sector economics at the University of Fort Hare, had his citizenship revoked by the ministry of home affairs after he fraudulently relied on a bigamous marriage to a South African woman to obtain naturalisation and citizenship. V.5514

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Europe looks to crack open data encryption on messaging services like WhatsApp

• End-to-end encryption is a security tool used by some apps and services �` including WhatsApp, Signal and Facebook Messenger �` to provide a greater level of privacy. • Messages sent using this tool are encrypted before they leave the sender’s phone or computer, with a key unique to the devices at either end of an exchange. V.5511

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Here`s SA`s draft new critical skills list, aimed at attracting foreigners

South Africa`s critical skills list includes a long list of engineering jobs. Government has compiled a new proposed list of critical skills, which should make it easier for some overseas workers to get visas to work and live in South Africa. V.5512

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In the City of Cape Town? Here`s an alternative to standing in queues for vehicle licences

•*The licence grace period has been extended.* •*Vehicle, learners` and driving licences which expired between 26 March 2020 and 28 February 2021 will be valid until 31 August.* •*Third party services could renew your vehicle licence on your behalf. V.5507

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More people are taking their money out of South Africa �` what you should know

The current climate of economic and political uncertainty means that wealthier South Africans are moving significant amounts of money out of the country, either through offshore investments or through physical migration, says Tim Powell, forex director at Sable International. V.5510

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Victory in the SCA for two brothers after a gruelling struggle for their birthright

In a satisfying victory for our Pro Bono & Human Rights Practice, on Wednesday 25 November, the Supreme Court of Appeal (the SCA) resoundingly dismissed the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) appeal against the judgment of the Gauteng High Court in the matter of the Minister of Home Affairs and Others v Jose and Another (169/2020 [2020] ZASCA 152 (25 November 2020). The High Court had found in the brothers’ favour and ordered the Minister to grant them citizenship within 10 days of its order. V.5499

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Home Affairs Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi leads the deployment of senior managers of the Department to key land border posts following Cabinet approval of the reopening of the land borders on 15 February 2021

The Home Affairs Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi is scheduled to be at Lebombo Border Post, Deputy Minister Mr Njabulo Nzuza at Beitbridge and Director General Mr Tommy Makhode at Maseru Bridge and Ficksburg on Monday, 15 February 2021 when the land ports of entry reopen. The Minister, Deputy Minister and the Director General are visiting the four busiest land ports to monitor the implementation of plans to process travellers through the ports. V.5502

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Land borders to open Monday, with new rules. SA to ban those with fake Covid certificates for years

• After being closed for more than a month, SA`s twenty biggest land border posts will reopen on Monday. • New rules have been implemented to prevent the `super-spreader` congestion at these posts. Twenty South African land borders that have been closed for more a month, will re-open on Monday. On Saturday, cabinet gave the go-ahead for the reopening for these border posts: V.5506

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Home Affairs vows to crackdown on back-door granting of visas, permits

Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi is reviewing some of the permits which were granted irregularly over the years. The Department of Home Affairs says the minister will leave no stone unturned in uncovering the `dubious` visas, permits and special citizenships that were irregularly granted. * The department says Motsoaledi will `unpack the full details of his ntervention` in the coming days. V.5492

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Home Affairs vows to crackdown on back-door granting of visas, permits

Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi is reviewing some of the permits which were granted irregularly over the years. The Department of Home Affairs says the minister will leave no stone unturned in uncovering the `dubious` visas, permits and special citizenships that were irregularly granted. V.5493

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Home Affairs vows to crackdown on back-door granting of visas, permits

Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi is reviewing some of the permits which were granted irregularly over the years. The Department of Home Affairs says the minister will leave no stone unturned in uncovering the `dubious` visas, permits and special citizenships that were irregularly granted. * The department says Motsoaledi will `unpack the full details of his ntervention` in the coming days. V.5495

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How to Retire in South Africa: Costs, Visas and More

Home to both lively landscapes and a highly diverse and fascinating culture, South Africa stands out as a place of opportunity for many potential retirees. Bask in a glowing sun while out on the golf course or relax in the shade on a beach. If you are a foodie or oenophile, you can enjoy this country’s culinary treats and excellent wines. Between all the things to do and see, this southernmost African nation, where English is widely spoken, can sound like a dream. So, if you’re considering how to retire in South Africa here are a few areas to look into first. A financial advisor can help you determine if your U.S.-based assets will cover expenses in the Rainbow Nation. Cost of Living and Housing V.5504

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Ramaphosa`s e-visa announcement: Tourism leaders warn it cannot be that of 2-years ago

The challenge with the e-visa is not just to try and get it on the level other country`s already have.The challenge with the e-visa is not just to try and get it on the levelother country`s already have. In his State of the Nation Address, President Cyril Ramaphosa said work is under way to reform the country`s visa regime. Two years ago he mentioned the development of e-visas in his then SONA address.Tourism leaders caution that changes cannot just be the e-visas envisioned in 2019. V.5505

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STATE OF THE NATION ADDRESS BY PRESIDENT CYRIL RAMAPHOSA

V.5494

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Motsoaledi directed to consider amending naturalisation rules to comply with law

JOHANNESBURG - The Public Protector said the Home Affairs minister must consider amending naturalisation regulations to ensure compliance and effective administration of the law. This formed part of the remedial action set down in a report, which made adverse findings against former minister Malusi Gigaba regarding the naturalisation of the Guptas, albeit that it cleared him of abusing his power. V.5491

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Brits returning from SA must pay R35,000 for quarantine hotel, face jail for lying about trip

The UK has announced stricter travel rules with harsher punishments for non-compliance, which will come into effect on Monday 15 February. This extends to travellers from South Africa, who will have to foot the bill for their mandatory quarantine stay at around R3,500 a day. V.5513

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Test-08 ASYLUM SEEKERS PERMIT EXPIRED during LOCKDOWN

ASYLUM SEEKERS PERMIT EXPIRED during LOCKDOWN - Don`t know what to do ? Apply Now for Temporary Residence even with EXPIRED LOCKDOWN PERMITS The Co
titutional Court handed down a judgement in the Ahm V.5490

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Public Health confirmed that departures would be closely monitored and that persons leaving Switzerland will be kept separate from others using the airport.

This decision was revised, allowing for limited flight operations from Thursday 24 December to `allow persons resident in the UK and South Africa to return home for Christmas`. The Swiss Federal Office of Additionally, return flights into Switzerland, from the UK and South Africa, will only be offered to Swiss citizens or holders of a Swiss residence permit or type D visa from Switzerland. These flights will need to be preapproved by the Swiss Federal Office of Civil Aviation and citizens looking to return home have been urged to contact their preferred airline directly. Mauritius V.5476

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Cancelling-a-lease-agreement-during-covid-19

2020 was an unpredictable year, to say the least. Each new week seemed to hold its own uncertainties and concerns. And in 2021, the world is still adjusting. In such times, it is important for tenants of residential property to know what their rights are in terms of premature cancellation of lease agreements that may be necessitated by COVID-19, the pursuant lockdown regulations and general change of personal circumstances. V.5474

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Who are SA`s unpaid frontline workers

V.5475

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Young adults born in SA denied right to apply for citizenship

Undocumented migrant children attend a class at the Refugee Social Services at the Diakonia Centre in Durban. (Photo: Leila Dougan / Daily Maverick) Less Citizenship as a tool of exclusion was a staple of apartheid-era oppression in South Africa. V.5478

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EXTENSION OF VALIDITY OF ASYLUM SEEKER AND REFUGEE PERMITS TO 31ST of MARCH 2021

EXTENSION OF VALIDITY OF ASYLUM SEEKER AND REFUGEE PERMITS TO 31ST of MARCH 2021 1. Validity of asylum seeker and refugee permits Following the announcement by the President of the Republic of South Africa to put the country on adjusted alert level 3, the Minister of Home Affairs issued the Direction on the 14th of January 2021 regarding services that will be provided by the Department of Home Affairs. The Directions in paragraph 2.1 thereof made reference to the extension of the validity of visas and permits that were issued by DHA V.5470

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South Africa: Parliament On ICT Issues At Home Affairs and Long Queues

Failure to resolve ICT challenges at Home Affairs contributes to long queues The Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs has expressed its disappointment in the failure of the Department of Home Affairs to resolve the perennial Information Technology (IT) challenges that continue to hamper its ability to deliver quality services. V.5473

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Permanent Residence Permit for South Africa

What is a permanent resident permit in relation to South Africa? South African law provides for two kinds of visa categories temporary and permanent. A temporary status is called a visa and a permanent residence dispensation is called a permit. V.5477

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Visa renewal victory for asylum seekers

Cape Town �` A Western Cape High Court judgment will come as a relief to many asylum seekers who have been unable to renew their visas for valid reasons. V.5479

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Immigrate to the UK from South Africa in 2021

The UK remains the preferred destination for South Africans looking for great employment opportunities, a high standard of education and a good quality of life. V.5480

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Ireland suspends visa-free travel from South Africa �` and arrivals must stay in `quarantine hotel`

• Ireland has suspended visa-free travel from South Africa, amid concern about its more contagious Covid variant. • Visitors with valid visas still face two weeks in a state-run “quarantine hotel”. V.5481

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Home affairs sets new deadline to deliver biometrics project

The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) is looking to conclude its biometrics tender by the end of the year. So says Siya Qoza, DHA ministerial spokesperson, after the department received a preliminary forensic investigation report into the awarding of the botched Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS) tender. V.5472

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Why only 1 office and remote working during lockdown Covid 19

Like many businesses in South Africa , Covid 19 has had a devasting effect on how they function in terms of staffing and how many people are allowed inside the office at a time . V.5466

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Social Media complaints

Often our team is confronted by feedback such as I noticed on social media that people complained on Facebook and Google , but when you look at our statistics for example on Facebook we have 150,000 likes and on Google 330 reviews with a 94 % approval rate and this tells us that we are doing a very good job and of course there is always room for improvement . V.5467

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Where should I register my baby`s birth under lockdown Level 3?

The Department of Home Affairs has announced that along with several other changes to services it provides the registration of births will no longer occur at Home Affairs offices. V.5469

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Finally the Courts have spoken , if you are a refugee or asylum seeker , above 18 and your parents were not South African you may qualify for Citizenship

The courts have pronounced on this section of the Act “ Section 4(3) of the Act, which came into operation on 1 January 2013, sets out requirements for citizenship by naturalisation, as follows: V.5453

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Permanent Residence via Child now permitted in South Africa

Did you know that you may apply for permanent residence if you are a relative ( parent ) of citizen or permanent residence holder within first level of kinship . V.5457

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You on a Zimbabwean ZEP Visa , have a family here or back home , wife and children in SA

- no status �` there is a way for them to join you legally Our dynamic team of immigration consultants provide specialist advice on temporary residence visas, permanent residence permits, appeals on rejected applications, undesirable declaration waivers, V-listing and legal immigration services. V.5460

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You are on an Angolan Dispensation Permanent Residence Visa , have a family here or back home , wife and children in SA - no status

�` there is a way for them to join you legally Our dynamic team of immigration consultants provide specialist advice on temporary residence visas, permanent residence permits, appeals on rejected applications, undesirable declaration waivers, V-listing and legal immigration services. V.5461

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Home Affairs - approved in country extensions of the minister of Home affairs

Home Affairs - approved in country extensions of The Minister of Home Affairs, PA Motsoaledi, has approved in country extensions of Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) Visas, provided the following conditions are met V.5463

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Home Affairs suspends certain services

The DHA has suspended the application for smart IDs, with the exception of matriculants applying for IDs. A long queue outside the Department of Home Affairs in Port Shepstone on Monday this week. Most in the queue were there to register deaths. The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has announced the suspension of several services rendered under level 3 lockdown as the number of death certificates being issued by the department has been on the increase. V.5464

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Where should I register my baby`s birth under lockdown Level 3?

The Department of Home Affairs has announced that along with several other changes to services it provides the registration of births will no longer occur at Home Affairs offices. Instead, births are to be `registered at the health facilities where they occur. These are the 156 health facilities with Home Affairs office presence,` Minister Aaron Motsoaledi noted in a statement. V.5465

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Home Affairs suspends certain services

The DHA has suspended the application for smart IDs, with the exception of matriculants applying for IDs. A long queue outside the Department of Home Affairs in Port Shepstone on Monday this week. Most in the queue were there to register deaths. The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has announced the suspension of several services rendered under level 3 lockdown as the number of death certificates being issued by the department has been on the increase. V.5468

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Permanent Residence via Child now permitted in South Africa

Did you know that you may apply for permanent residence if you are a relative ( parent ) of citizen or permanent residence holder within first level of kinship . In other words you can apply via your child . V.5450

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Court victory for “invisible, undocumented children”

Fathers to be able to register the births of their children without the mother being present or giving consent In a victory for “invisible, undocumented children”, unwed fathers will soon be able to register the births of their children without the mother being present or giving consent. V.5462

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WhatsApp delays new policy change after critics claimed update would turn over user data to Facebook

WhatsApp is delaying by three months the rollout of a new policy that some critics said would turn over user data to Facebook. • Users originally were set to opt in or out of the policy change on February 8 and will now not have to until May 15. V.5454

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Home Affairs to step up measures to fight illegal immigration to South Africa

Johannesburg - Minister of Home Affairs Dr Aaron Motsoaledi says his department is on course to appoint border control guards including border management commissioners in their drive to bring to end illegal movement of people into South Africa. V.5452

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S. Africa`s plan to record all babies` biometrics raises privacy fears

JOHANNESBURG (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - Plans to photograph and fingerprint every baby born in South Africa for a digital register could lead to data leaks and identity theft without robust safeguards, rights experts said on Thursday. V.5447

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Immigrate to the UK from South Africa in 2021

The UK remains the preferred destination for South Africans looking for great employment opportunities, a high standard of education and a good quality of life. Choosing the right visa can make the process of applying much simpler and can lead to a more successful application. These are your top UK visa options as a South African. Applying for a UK ancestral visa V.5448

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EXPLAINER - Should you panic about WhatsApp`s new terms �` and what`s the deal with Telegram and Signal?

Social media app WhatsApp has sparked an outcry among users with its proposed new terms and privacy policy. Ahmore Burger-Smidt, Director and Head of Data Privacy Practice and Dale Adams, Associate Designate at Werksmans Attorneys unpack the terms. V.5445

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Signal won`t replace WhatsApp, people will use both, says a cofounder of one and leader of the other

The encrypted messaging service Signal won`t replace WhatsApp, Brian Acton, the executive chairman of the Signal Foundation and cofounder of WhatsApp, predicted. V.5446

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Minister instructs schools to enrol all undocumented children

A Rwandan asylum seeker told GroundUp she has been to the Western Cape Metro North Education District, but officials refused to help her enrol her child without a study permit. V.5459

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South African Business Visa

A business visa may be issued by the Department of Home Affairs to a foreigner intending to establish or invest in a business in South Africa in which he or she may be employed, and to members of such foreigners’ immediate family providing that certain requirements have been met. V.5439

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South Africa Citizenship Options

South African Citizen by Descent: Anybody who was born outside of South Africa to a South African citizen. His or her birth has to be registered in line with the births and deaths registration act 51 of 1992. V.5440

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South African Retirement Visa

A retirement visa can be granted for 4 years to someone with a monthly pension, irrevocable annuity or retirement account of R37 000 from a net worth/combination of assets realizing R37 000 per month and wishes to retire temporarily or permanently in South Africa. V.5441

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Relatives Visa

A Relative`s Visa may be issued by the Department to a foreigner who is a member of the immediate family of a citizen or a resident, providing that such citizen or resident provides the prescribed financial assurances. V.5442

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SA just extended all visas again, which now makes for a year of extra time

The latest visa extension brings the total amount of leeway afforded to foreigners since the beginning of the outbreak to more than 12 months. • Foreigners who have been unable to leave South Africa due to lockdown measures will now have their visas automatically extended to 31 March 2021. V.5443

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Lockdown: Motsoaledi suspends applications for IDs, passports and marriage services

Cogta Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma and Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi updated South Africans on the new Covid-19 restrictions, regulations and their enforcement on Tuesday. V.5444

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Beitbridge border: Fake COVID-19 certificates found

The SANDF will be deploying helicopters to hover above the Limpopo River and SAPS will be in boats. This is according to the Home Affairs Minister. eNCA`s senior reporter Aviwe Mtila was there and filed this report. V.5437

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Denmark and Vietnam latest countries to ban SA travellers, fearing new Covid variant

Israel, Turkey, Germany, Saudi Arabia, Denmark, the UK and Vietnam have all halted air travel to and from South Africa. • The suspension of flights follows the detection of 501.v2, a mutated SARS-CoV-2 variant which holds a higher transmission rate. V.5456

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Denmark and Vietnam latest countries to ban SA travellers, fearing new Covid variant

Israel, Turkey, Germany, Saudi Arabia, Denmark, the UK and Vietnam have all halted air travel to and from South Africa. • The suspension of flights follows the detection of 501.v2, a mutated SARS-CoV-2 variant which holds a higher transmission rate. V.5458

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Pakistan eases travel advisory for inbound UK, South Africa passengers

KARACHI: The Civil Aviation Authority on Monday eased travel restrictions for inbound passengers travelling from the United Kingdom and South Africa. V.5449

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South Africa plans to make major changes to its borders �` here’s what to expect

Home Affairs minister Aaron Motsoaledi has published the draft One-Stop Border Policy (OSBP) for public consultation. V.5455

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Beitbridge border: Fake COVID-19 certificates found

JOHANNESBURG - Home Affairs Minister, Aaron Motsoaledi, says travellers using fake COVID-19 test certificates will face the full might of the law after 17 fake certificates were discovered. V.5434

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Zimbabwe reverts to hard lockdown measures amid COVID-19 surge

Zimbabwe reverts to hard lockdown measures amid COVID-19 surge Zimbabwe reverted to some of the stringent lockdown measures first imposed in March 2020 as the government moved to contain a surge in COVID-19 infections. Announcing the measur V.5433

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To foil foreigners, govt wants to ‘reregister’ every SA child when they turn five

• Foreigners buy the birth certificates of dead SA children to gain South African citizenship, the department of home affairs says. • To prevent that, it is considering `reregistration` of children at age five, and capturing fingerprints and photos of the iris then. V.5435

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Zimbabwe reverts to hard lockdown measures amid COVID-19 surge

Zimbabwe reverted to some of the stringent lockdown measures first imposed in March 2020 as the government moved to contain a surge in COVID-19 infections. V.5436

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Beitbridge border: Motsoaledi says army makes over 500 arrests daily

At least 500 undocumented Zimbabweans are being arrested daily, trying to enter the country illegally. That`s according to Home Affairs Minister, Aaron Motsoaledi. V.5438

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Here are the ways you can gain citizenship in these 7 countries

There are many benefits to having dual citizenship, including greater global mobility, economic opportunities, better quality of life and improved personal security, However, acquiring second citizenship can be a lengthy process as residence in the country is usually a requirement. Business owners and private investors looking to gain an alternative nationality often turn to investment migration because it is quick and generally hassle-free, Woest said. These citizenship V.5423

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Dlamini-Zuma: No changes on international travel, initiation schools to close

JOHANNESBURG - Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma on Tuesday said that international travel has not changed under the country’s level 3 lockdown. Briefing the media, the minister said the 18 land borders, which were partially operational, would be fully operational. V.5427

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Foreigners flying into SA get a curfew break �` but you’ll need to have your papers handy

• Passengers on inbound flights into South Africa don’t have to worry about the 21:00 to 06:00 curfew. • These travellers will not be breaking the law in travelling from the airport to their place of accommodation, government says. V.5430

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Statement by President Cyril Ramaphosa on progress in the national effort to contain the COVID-19 pandemic.

Fellow South Africans, In just four days from now, we will be ushering in a new year. This is traditionally a time of festivity and celebrating. Unfortunately, for us here in South Africa and for others around the world, there is little cause for celebration this year. Yesterday, we passed the mark of more than one million confirmed coronavirus cases in our country. Nearly 27,000 South Africans are known to have died from COVID-19. The number of new coronavirus infections is climbing at an unprecedented rate. More than 50,000 new cases have been reported since Christmas Eve. V.5418

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Statement by President Cyril Ramaphosa on progress in the national effort to contain the COVID-19 pandemic.

Fellow South Africans, In just four days from now, we will be ushering in a new year. This is traditionally a time of festivity and celebrating. Unfortunately, for us here in South Africa and for others around the world, there is little cause for celebration this year. V.5424

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Beitbridge border post bottleneck cleared, says home affairs

The chronic traffic congestion at Beitbridge border post has been cleared, says the department of home affairs. V.5420

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Who is exempt from hotel quarantine after entering Australia?

Once you touch down in Australia, the Government does allow exemptions from hotel quarantine in some instances The case of a 53-year-old Australian dual citizen and her son who were incorrectly allowed to travel to Victoria and avoid hotel quarantine after flying into Sydney has put the spotlight back on quarantine exemptions. V.5429

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Dear Client , friend , colleague and fellow life traveller

As we stand on the cusp of the old year of 2020 and we stand ready to welcome the new year 2021 . we pause and reflect on some of the challenges of 2020 as well as the successes. V.5414

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South Africans setting up a business in the UK

South African businesses are increasingly setting up businesses in the UK, sometimes as a hedging strategy in the uncertain economic climate in South Africa, and often because they want to tap into the global trade opportunities the UK is well-positioned for. V.5416

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New UK student visa option now available to South Africans

The United Kingdom (UK) government has announced a new points-based visa route to encourage international students to study and live in the UK. V.5417

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The rand’s massive comeback: It’s as if lockdown and ‘junk’ never happened

• The rand is currently trading at levels against the dollar last seen in January 2020. • While the SA economy is in a world of trouble, local interest rates are attractive to foreign investors. V.5419

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How does one apply for ECSA?

It is recommend that you start the application to ECSA as early as possible in order to avoid delays in obtaining a Critical Skills Visa. It is important to note that the SAICHE (South African Institution of Chemical Engineers) is not a statutory body and neither is it recognised by SAQA. V.5412

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Municipal manager with fake documents deported to Zimbabwe

The Rand West City municipality senior manager who was arrested for working in SA illegally has been deported to Zimbabwe. V.5421

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Truck drivers say they are being targeted at the Beitbridge border post

One truck driver, who spent five days at the border, alleged some drivers bribe officials to skip the long screening lines. The All Truck Drivers Foundation said law enforcement needed to beef up security at night. V.5413

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SA diplomats fight to stay longer in Europe over fear of contracting Covid-19 while travelling

Diplomats who have finished their four-year terms in Brussels, Milan and Geneva are asking to stay on in their postings until Covid-19 poses no more travel risks.* V.5415

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Cyber crime losses exceed $1 trillion: McAfee

Cyber crime costs the global economy over $1 trillion, or just more than 1% of global GDP, a figure which is up more than 50% from a 2018 study that put global losses at close to $600 billion. V.5428

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What is a Ministerial Waiver / Exemption and how does it work

What is a Ministerial Waiver / Exemption and how does it work Upon application to the Minister of Home Affairs, the Minister may under terms and conditions determined by him or her allow distinguished visitors or members of his/her family to be administered and sojourn in South Africa and or waive any prescribed (regulatory) requirements for good cause and/or grant any foreigner or category of foreigners the rights of permanent residence for a specified or unspecified period when special circumstances exist justifying such a decision. V.5408

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Beitbridge traffic now queues for up to 15km �` with a big coronavirus risk from Covid-19 rules

Covid test if you have money for a bribe, says an appalled transport association. Stringent Covid-19 regulations �` including testing, symptom screenings, and curfews �` is being blamed for a traffic jam stretching for kilometres on both sides of the Beitbridge border post between Zimbabwe and South Africa. Now the backlog may actually be hastening the virus’ spread near Musina, and a super-spreader event can not be ruled out. V.5409

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British Airways halts direct flights between Durban and London

British Airways plans to suspend the direct flight route between Durban and London from March 2021. A total of 13 destinations are expected to be halted in light of the pandemic. V.5410

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Appeals - rejected applications, Undesirable Declaration Waivers, V-listing and Legal Immigration Services

Appeals - rejected applications, Undesirable Declaration Waivers, V-listing and Legal Immigration Services Our dynamic team of immigration consultants provide specialist advice on temporary residence visas, permanent residence permits, appeals on rejected applications, undesirable declaration waivers, V-listing and legal immigration services. Get in touch with us if you’d like a professional yet personal experience provided by our experienced consultants. V.5401

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Netherlands bans UK flights after finding new coronavirus strain

UK fights new COVID strain, PM orders tighter curbs [NFA] British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Saturday imposed tighter coronavirus curbs on millions of people in England and largely reversed plans to ease restrictions over Christmas, as the country battles a new more infectious strain of the virus V.5404

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Israel bans SA visitors amid new Covid-19 variant concerns

Israel bans SA visitors amid new Covid-19 variant concerns News 24 - 20 December 2020 Israel on Sunday said it was barring entry to foreign citizens travelling from Britain, Denmark and South Africa after a new strain of coronavirus was detected in the three countries. It also announced tough rules for Israelis returning home from those nations, saying that they would be confined in army-run hotels serving as quarantine centres, in a joint statement by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu`s office and the health ministry. V.5406

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test Ralph

test-2 V.5397

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VFS / Home Affairs open for business ? �` Visa Expired �` Overstay �` But with social distancing !!

VFS / Home Affairs open for business ? �` Visa Expired �` Overstay �` But with social distancing !! Queues long !! We can help !!! Your visa will expired or will expired during lockdown . You cannot lodge an appeal at VFS ,the 10 days will expire during lockdown V.5398

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Zimbabwean citizen Gibson Tawodzera kicked out of SA may return, court rules

Pretoria - A Zimbabwean citizen who had been kicked out of South Africa and deported back to Zimbabwe has received an early Christmas gift. The Gauteng High Court, Pretoria has ordered Home Affairs to allow Gibson Tawodzera back into the country At the time, Home Affairs had, out of the blue, 13 years after his South African wife had died, insisted that the marriage was all along a sham. V.5400

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SCA declares marriage act and divorce act inconsistent with constitution

The country`s second-highest court says the Acts fail to recognise marriages under Sharia Law The Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) in Bloemfontein has declared the Marriage Act 25 of 1961 and the Divorce Act 70 of 1979 to be inconsistent with sections of the constitution V.5403

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Jobless but making a living queueing for others at Home Affairs, Sassa and clinics

Cape Town �` Unemployed and desperate for work, innovators from Cape Town`s townships are making money by standing in queues for people at Home Affairs, SA Social Security Agency (Sassa) offices and clinics, for a price of R50. Waking up as early as 3am, 21-year-old Bahle Ngqula from Nyanga said he started the initiative when he lost his job at the start of the lockdown. V.5405

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Jobless but making a living queueing for others at Home Affairs, Sassa and clinics

Cape Town �` Unemployed and desperate for work, innovators from Cape Town`s townships are making money by standing in queues for people at Home Affairs, SA Social Security Agency (Sassa) offices and clinics, for a price of R50. V.5407

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Pastor who fought Home Affairs on refugee marriage ban finally ties the knot

In masks and accompanied by their attorney, their baby and witnesses, the man and woman who fought and beat Home Affairs over a ban on refugee marriages finally got hitched in Port Elizabeth on Thursday. An ecstatic, smiling Zizipho, carrying a small bouquet of white flowers and wearing a pretty white dress with yellow flowers, said one happy word when the ceremony was over and she was married to Pastor Emmanuel Ochogwu: “Finally.” V.5411

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Death of Detained Ukrainian Causes Uproar in Portugal

The man’s death after what prosecutors called “inhumane treatment” has raised questions about the country’s detention policies and prompted calls for the interior minister to step down. Arriving in the Lisbon airport without a work visa in March, Ihor Homeniuk, a Ukrainian citizen, was sent to a nearby detention center after refusing to board a flight out of Portugal. V.5402

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SA`s undocumented children have a right to free education, EC high court rules

The Equal Education Law Centre says it has secured placement of more than 100 children in Matatiele for the 2020 academic year. The children were out of school due to lack of identity documentation. V.5451

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Home Affairs probes avalanche of blocked ID documents

Cape Town - The Home Affairs Department is investigating close to a million `blocked` identity documents that were found to be suspicious, duplicate or fraudulently issued with falsified supporting documents. This was revealed by Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi when he was responding in writing to Parliamentary questions from EFF MP Lorato Tito. V.5391

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Court victory for asylum seekers after Home Affairs interdicted from implementing certain provisions of Act

Pretoria - The Department of Home Affairs has been interdicted from implementing certain provisions of the Refugees Act as well as new regulations which make provision for asylum seekers to be sent away if they are a month late in renewing their permits. V.5392

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Three people in Daryl Maguire`s cash-for-visa scheme could be stripped of citizenship

Home affairs will be ‘tough-minded’ if fraud is proven, Michael Pezzullo tells Senate estimates Michael Pezzullo says there is a criminal investigation into Daryl Maguire’s cash-for-visa scheme and if fraud is proven visas ‘will be cancelled’ V.5393

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South Africa to make changes to its borders as it prepares for multi-trillion rand trade deal

President Cyril Ramaphosa’s cabinet has approved a draft One-Stop Border Policy (OSBP) for public consultation. In a post-cabinet briefing on Friday (4 December), government said that the creation of the OSBP seeks to ‘harmonise the movement of people and goods between South Africa’s land ports of entry and its neighbouring countries’. V.5394

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Lisbon Golden Visa property programme: Separating fact from fiction �` SA property developer

The programme is pretty much as it was, when it started out in 2012. I think it’s close to €5bn that has flowed into the programme, which has been incredibly valuable to the Portuguese economy and the state of the country as a whole. Right now, it’s business as usual. There have been interesting speculations about an imminent change, but fundamentally the programme has encouraged a massive investment in real estate. Many of our clients at LX Living have seen fit to follow that opportunity which allows you to get the Golden Visa and ultimately, the European passport within the five-six year timeframe. On speculation and misinformation surrounding the Golden Visa programme: V.5399

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To foil foreigners, govt wants to ‘reregister’ every SA child when they turn five

To foil foreigners, govt wants to ‘reregister’ every SA child when they turn five • Foreigners buy the birth certificates of dead SA children to gain South African citizenship, the department of home affairs says. • To prevent that, it is considering `reregistration` of children at age five, and capturing fingerprints and photos of the iris then. V.5432

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9 ways you can claim British citizenship

British citizenship could be more attainable than you think, writes Mishal Patel of Sable International. Amendments to the UK’s laws and new rulings make it possible to claim nationality from your parents, grandparents and in some cases even your great-grandparents. V.5390

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Scalabrini court victory for people seeking asylum in South Africa

Scalabrini court victory for people seeking asylum in South Africa Home Affairs has been interdicted from implementing certain provisions of the Refugees Act and new Regulations (both implemented on 1 January 2020), which sought to return asylum seekers back to their home country where they could be face detention without trial, rape, torture, or death, merely because he or she was a month late in renewing a visa. V.5389

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Scalabrini’s ‘abandonment’ court case challenges constitutionality of South African refugee laws

Scalabrini Centre in Court seeking an interdict against the Department of Home Affairs, in first step to challenging the constitutionality of the Refugee Amendment Act’s ‘deemed abandonment’ provisions. V.5387

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New UK student visa option now available to South Africans

The United Kingdom (UK) government has announced a new points-based visa route to encourage international students to study and live in the UK. V.5388

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Stranded Australians may not be home for Christmas, says Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton

The Trade and Tourism Minister says extra quarantine capacity at Howard Springs means more Australians stranded overseas can return home. V.5383

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Zim, SA home affairs ministers tackle border congestion ahead of Dec 1 re-opening

Officials fear widespread chaos when smaller vehicles start arriving at the border BULAWAYO �` Home affairs minister Kazembe Kazembe met with his South African counterpart Aaron Motsoaledi in Beitbridge on Friday ahead of the re-opening of the border to normal traffic on December 1. V.5385

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Travel agents in Mideast, Africa say UAE is blocking visas

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) �` Travel agencies in countries across the Middle East and Africa say the United Arab Emirates has temporarily halted issuing new visas to their citizens, a so-far unexplained ban on visitors amid both the coronavirus pandemic and the UAE`s normalization deal with Israel. V.5386

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Brothers born of Angolan parents have right to South African citizenship: Supreme Court

The Supreme Court of Appeal has dismissed an appeal by the minister of home affairs, who was ordered by the high court in Pretoria last year to grant citizenship to two brothers born in SA of foreign parents in the 1990s. V.5382

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Mauritius is closed for December

Mauritius’s borders will effectively remain closed for leisure travel during the peak December- January period, following its government’s decision to extend quarantine regulations until January 15, 2021. The move is another blow to outbound agents and operators who are missing out on December holiday bookings to South Africa’s favourite island destination. V.5384

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Human trafficking in SA continuing despite coronavirus, says Interpol

Cape Town - Human trafficking in South Africa and the rest of the continent is continuing unabated despite the coronavirus, resulting in hundreds of victims unable to get assistance, according to Interpol. V.5378

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South Africa: Home Affairs Officials Enforcing Immigration Laws

The Home Affairs Inspectorate officials, supported by SAPS, the City of Cape Town, the Departments of Social Development and Health are currently performing an operation at the temporary shelter called Wingfield in Maitland, Cape Town. V.5379

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Motsoaledi calls Home Affairs, Bosasa deal ’stupid’

Cape Town �` Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi has described the agreement reached between his department and Bosasa on the use of the Lindela Repatriation Centre as ’’stupid“. Motsoaledi was on Wednesday asked about claims made by Angelo Agrizzi that the Lindela Repatriation Centre was a cash cow and that the Auditor-General had found that the department paid R20 000 per inmate per month. V.5376

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South Africa: 15 Million `Undocumented Foreigners` in South Africa? Herman Mashaba Wrong Again

Claim There are 15 million undocumented foreigners in South Africa Source: South African politician and businessman Herman Mashaba (November 2020) Verdict Explainer: Data from Statistics South Africa and the United Nations put the number of foreign-born migrants in the country at around 4 million. V.5377

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Chakwera wants special permits for Malawians working in South Africa

President Lazarus Chakwera has called for the introduction of special permits for Malawians working in the informal sector in South Africa. The Malawi leader made the request during a meeting with South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa and various members of his Cabinet in Pretoria. V.5370

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Home Affairs rescinds visa of war crimes fugitive Guus Kouwenhoven, embarrassing a global resources ‘transparency’ initiative

South Africa has finally done the right thing by rescinding the visa of Guus Kouwenhoven, a Dutch citizen convicted of aiding and abetting war crimes committed by Charles Taylor’s forces in Liberia and Guinea. It is now time for the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative to do likewise. V.5373

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EU Home Affairs Ministers discuss asylum reform

Brussels / Berlin (dpa) �` After the bloody attacks in France, Austria and Germany, EU interior ministers are today discussing a common line in the fight against terrorism. V.5375

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Surge in Australian Home Affairs corruption referrals a ‘sign of maturity’, gov claims

According to the watchdog that oversees the Department of Home Affairs, the marked increase in reported corruption is a massive boon. The federal law enforcement watchdog has asserted that an increase in corruption referrals regarding the Department of Home Affairs doesn’t indicate a rise in dishonest conduct, but rather displays a “growing maturity” within the ministry’s “integrity arrangements”. V.5372

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The closure of a Durban refugee reception centre has left asylum seekers in limbo

The Durban Refugee Reception Centre has been closed since lockdown was instituted in March. Since then, the documentation of thousands of refugees and asylum seekers has expired. V.5366

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International travellers can now visit SA �` on these conditions

President Ramaphosa on Wednesday confirmed that international travel restrictions will be lifted. Here`s what we know. We had our “My Fellow South Africans” talk again this evening; President Ramaphosa updated the country about the sale of alcohol, lockdown regulations and international travel. V.5374

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SA Consul in Los Angeles Latest Diplomat to Cause Uproar

South African diplomats abroad, though many of them are good at doing their job, are constantly seeing their efforts undermined by colleagues who are alleged criminals and cadres making exorbitant demands who never think about doing the job they were put there to do, as repeated and urgent queries by South Africans in different countries are met with unanswered phones and emails and dead-ends. V.5349

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Stranded Overseas, Thousands Beg Australia to Let Them Come Home

Limits on the number of Australians who can return have spurred a growing uproar over the country’s hard-line approach to the coronavirus. V.5371

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Home Affairs deporting refugees part of Cape Town protests

The Home Affairs Department has reminded citizens that there are foreign nationals who are in the country legally and are allowed to conduct business in terms of the applicable laws of the country The Department of Home Affairs has initiated the deportation process of 20 foreign nationals, who were part of hundreds others, who had camped outside the offices of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Cape Town, back in 2019. V.5367

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Anxious wait for non-South African prisoners as Home Affairs take first step to ease parolee backlog

Following the move to Level 1 lockdown, prisoners who have been waiting since March to return to their home countries, have finally seen the first light of their long overdue release dates. A mix of scepticism and fear colour the days after Home Affairs officials first visited South African prisons this month to commence the repatriation process of qualifying offenders. V.5368

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Court orders Home Affairs to amend records to state that woman was in fact not married

Pretoria - After 16 years of being “married” to a man she has never met, and then struggling to rectify the situation, the Gauteng High Court, Pretoria, has ordered Home Affairs to amend its records to state that the woman was in fact not married. V.5359

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SA’s visa relief for foreigners with special skills

Foreign nationals in South Africa with special skills, especially those on intra-company transfer visas have been given a green light to apply for an extension of their visas by another two years. This is contained in the Immigration Directive no. 15 of 2020 issued by South Africa’s Home Affairs Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi on Thursday. V.5360

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EOH faces R44m fine for delays in home affairs tender

The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has moved to salvage the controversial multimillion-rand Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS) tender and slapped technology services company EOH with a R44 million penalty over delays in the implementation of the project. V.5353

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Here Are The Updated Travel Restrictions For Countries That Allow Tourists

COVID-19 pandemic last March, international flights got temporarily banned, leaving no choice to travelers all over the world but to stay where they are. Things aren’t exactly getting better, but the increase of cases and mortality rate has become relatively slower as compared to the first few months of quarantine. Given the comparatively finer situation, airlines have found their own compromises in order to make travelling in the sky much safer, while, of course, preventing the spread of the virus from one place to another. V.5362

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Mkhize clears up South Africa’s current travel and quarantine rules

Health minister Dr Zweli Mkhize has provided answers on some of the government’s key level 1 lockdown regulations. Responding in a written parliamentary Q&A to the Democratic Alliance, Mkhize detailed the rules in place for travellers who are arriving from other countries and those South African who cannot self-quarantine at home. V.5361

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SA Consul in Los Angeles Latest Diplomat to Cause Uproar

South African diplomats abroad, though many of them are good at doing their job, are constantly seeing their efforts undermined by colleagues who are alleged criminals and cadres making exorbitant demands who never think about doing the job they were put there to do, as repeated and urgent queries by South Africans in different countries are met with unanswered phones and emails and dead-ends. V.5347

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Verification process for refugees under way, says Cape Town Home Affairs

CAPE TOWN - Home Affairs officials have embarked on a verification process of refugees and asylum seekers accommodated in a temporary camp in Bellville, set up for the group who had been protesting for several months in the Cape Town CBD, demanding to be moved to another country. V.5352

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Warning: new car theft scam in South Africa

Vehicle-tracking company Tracker says it has recently become aware of a car theft scam which is being used by a syndicate in South Africa. Customers are being contacted by the scamsters who are pretending to work for Tracker. They advise the customer that there is something wrong with their tracking device and that they need to come out to repair or replace the device. V.5354

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Home affairs committee unhappy about refugees’ living conditions at Cape Town temporary shelters

Parliament`s portfolio committee on home affairs is not happy about living conditions at temporary shelters for refugees in Cape Town. The committee visited the Wingfield and Paint City temporary sites on Saturday. V.5350

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Scalabrini’s ‘abandonment’ court case challenges constitutionality of South African refugee laws

Scalabrini Centre in Court seeking an interdict against the Department of Home Affairs, in first step to challenging the constitutionality of the Refugee Amendment Act’s ‘deemed abandonment’ provisions. V.5351

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Covid-19: Hard shutdown not the answer, says Anthony Fauci, admitting SA response better than US

V.5346

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SA`s undocumented children have a right to free education, EC high court rules

V.5343

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Motsoaledi says children of migrants should be in school

Minister of Home Affairs Aaron Motsoaledi after briefing Parliament. Every child needs to go to school, Minister of Home Affairs Aaron Motsoaledi has said. V.5344

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Victory for foreigners as court rules undocumented children have a right to education

Undocumented children, including children of illegal foreigners, can now attend public schools, thanks to the Eastern Cape High Court in Makhanda. V.5345

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Stranded far from home: six months on, these tourists are still stuck in Melbourne

As more than 100 home-bound, desperate Australians boarded a rescue flight at London`s Heathrow Airport on Thursday in Melbourne the Torres family from Colombia prepared for another day of purgatory on their `holiday`, six months-long and counting. V.5341

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Six years in jail for Mpumalanga fraudster who sold fake tertiary qualifications

A self-employed salon and internet café operator based in Piet Retief, Mpumalanga, has been sentenced to an effective six years behind bars for selling fake tertiary qualifications. V.5340

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Namibia eases inbound travel regulations

In an easing of travel restrictions, travellers to Namibia now only need a negative PCR test. This comes after the country opened to all international travel via Hosea Kutako International Airport in Windhoek on September 1. V.5337

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Costly protection: Corruption in South Africa’s asylum-seeking system

Asylum seekers queue outside the Customs House building in Cape Town. As of May 2020, it was estimated that there were 188,296 active asylum files and 80,752 recognised refugees in South Africa. (Photo by Gallo Images / Nardus Engelbrecht) V.5335

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SA’s red list just went from 60 to 22 countries �` but US and UK tourists are still banned

The list of countries South Africa considers at high risk for the coronavirus �` and from which tourists are banned �` dropped from 60 to 22 on Monday. V.5334

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Government issues a revised list of high risk countries

The Government has revised the list of high risk countries based on a risk categorization model. V.5336

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Warning over government’s plans to change South Africa’s emigration rules

A number of tax and financial groups have issued warnings over a new draft bill which will introduce changes for South Africans looking to take their retirement funds out of the country. V.5327

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REFUGEES AND ASYLUM SEEKERS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Major News and hope : We are one of the few organisations getting Emptions & waivers approved !!!! V.5331

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Overstay / Declared Undesirable / VLIST Ban Issued for 5 Years . There is hope !!

Overstaying one’s visa is a common occurrence among people who applied to extend their visa in South Africa and said visa not issued in time for travel. V.5332

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Overstay / Declared Undesirable / VLIST Ban Issued for 5 Years . There is hope !!

Overstaying one’s visa is a common occurrence among people who applied to extend their visa in South Africa and said visa not issued in time for travel. V.5333

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Dlamini-Zuma extends South Africa’s national state of disaster

Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma has extended the national state of disaster by another month. V.5329

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Perth teen facing 50-year wait for permanent visa calls for change

Italian teenager Sara Passarini has lived in Australia for half of her life, but it could be 2062 before she finds out if she will be accepted as a permanent resident here. V.5326

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Extract from The Ministers Speech , its at odds with Directive and Home Affairs

Announcement same date , for ease I produce relevant section , I called around and total confusion at airports , if for example a UK person flew to Turkey , a low risk country and stated for 2 weeks , they should be able to come to Sa as a low risk country person and as a leisure traveller ? at odds with covid19business email requirements , what is your assessment V.5321

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Can you get permanent residency in Australia with a criminal record?

To apply for a permanent residency visa in Australia, you must pass the good character test. The Department of Home Affairs (DoHA) has the discretional power to refuse and cancel a visa if the applicant does not satisfy DoHA that they pass the character test. V.5318

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Can you get permanent residency in Australia with a criminal record?

To apply for a permanent residency visa in Australia, you must pass the good character test. The Department of Home Affairs (DoHA) has the discretional power to refuse and cancel a visa if the applicant does not satisfy DoHA that they pass the character test. V.5319

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Home Affairs Issue Update on Re-Opening Of Borders

The Minister of Home Affairs, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, convened an inclusive meeting involving senior immigration officials and ports of entry managers to address the challenges arising from the implementation of Regulations pertaining to travel into the Republic, including opening the tourism industry and promoting trade in order to stimulate economic recovery. V.5322

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Home Affairs lifts visa requirements for several nationalities

V.5320

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Can you fly to the high-risk countries South Africa has banned from entry?

South Africa’s list of high-risk countries, where tourists remain banned from entering the country, has been criticised for being arbitrary and potentially damaging to the local tourism sector. The list of 60 countries includes the likes of the United States and the United Kingdom, which are sources of some of the biggest tourism spend in the country �` while all of Africa is free to travel across borders. V.5323

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SA’s business travel rules: Your test is good for 14 days, and you can beg at the border

South Africa has special rules for visiting business people, starting with them not being subject to SA`s red list. V.5338

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Home Affairs lifts visa requirements for several nationalities The South African Department of Home Affairs announces the removal of visa requirements for several nationalities.

Several airlines denied boarding to some international passengers on flights bound for South African airports last week, even though South Africa’s borders had reopened. V.5364

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Home Affairs Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi provides an update on the partial re-opening of borders and services during Alert Level 1

The Minister of Home Affairs Dr Aaron Motsoaledi convened an inclusive meeting involving senior immigration officials and ports of entry managers to address the challenges arising from the implementation of Regulations pertaining to travel into the Republic, including opening the tourism industry and promoting trade in order to stimulate economic recovery. V.5312

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Airline crew can come to SA but can`t `move around freely`: transport department

Emirates cancelled international flights to and from Durban after concerns from airlines that crew would be treated like passengers if they didn`t have negative Covid-19 tests.The transport department on Sunday said airline cabin crew and pilots could come into SA even if they didn`t have negative Covid-19 tests �` but that they wouldn`t be allowed to leave their hotels. The statement �` which the transport department says was to offer “clarity” �` comes after concerns from airlines that crew would be treated like passengers in that they would be subjected to the country`s health protocols. This included the requirement of a negative Covid-19 test within 72 hours of departure to SA �` something the industry says is impractical. V.5313

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South Africa emigration �` is the time now?

Proposed amendments will make it harder for South Africans to withdraw retirement funds from next year. If you plan to move money overseas, should you be considering this sooner rather than later? V.5314

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Germany formally cleared for travel to SA �` and Emirates is still flying in too

• Germans are formally cleared for visa-free travel to South Africa, Germany`s ambassador to SA announced. • Unconfirmed reports of cancellations notwithstanding, Emirates flights into SA still seem to be going ahead. • Airlines have privately expressed concerns about SA`s red-list system, and are worried about how crew may be treated in the event of a coronavirus case aboard their flights. V.5317

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What is the true cost of living in Africa?

One would think that living in Africa as an expat would be cheaper than living in Europe or America. Not necessarily so. V.5328

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Here are the ways you can gain citizenship in these 7 countries

There are many benefits to having dual citizenship, including greater global mobility, economic opportunities, better quality of life and improved personal security, says Sandra Woest at Sable International. However, acquiring second citizenship can be a lengthy process as residence in the country is usually a requirement. Business owners and private investors looking to gain an alternative nationality often turn to investment migration because it is quick and generally hassle-free, Woest said. V.5315

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Former domestic worker to inherit Camps Bay guest house and flat

Court finds Intestate Succession Act discriminates against unmarried life partners
02 October 2020 - 07:33 By Tania Broughton and GroundUp

Jane Bwanya, a former domestic worker who was “swept off her feet” six years ago by a relatively wealthy businessman, has succeeded in changing the provisions of the Intestate Succession Act, which had barred unmarried partners in a heterosexual union from inheriting. V.5311

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Is Gauteng’s plan to ban foreigners from opening businesses in townships unconstitutional?

* *A draft law by the Gauteng provincial government seeks to ban foreign nationals from opening and operating certain businesses in the province`s townships. * * *The proposal sparked praise and criticism, with social media users expressing concern that it may help fan the flames of xenophobia. V.5310

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We may get SA’s red list of travel-restricted countries within hours �` but it depends

South Africa`s borders open for all foreign travellers on Thursday, and airlines already have flights lined up. But there is still no list of countries for which travel restrictions will apply, based on their level of coronavirus risk. V.5307

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No UK or US tourists: Here is South Africa’s full red list of countries

A long list of countries will be red-listed by South Africa, ministers announced on Wednesday, including the USA and UK. • `Ordinary` travellers �` tourists without business in SA �` will not be allowed from those countries. • Risk levels for other countries will be determined relative to SA`s rate of infection spread and deaths: high-risk countries are those with higher levels than SA. • Everyone travelling to SA will be required to show a recent, negative test for the coronavirus, and must have travel insurance in place. V.5309

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Gauteng’s plans to restrict jobs for foreign workers �` what you need to know

The Gauteng government has published the Gauteng Township Economic Development Draft Bill for public comment. First announced in the 2019 State of the Province Address, the bill seeks to enhance the regulatory management of the township economy to ease the regulatory burden on local enterprises. V.5304

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Golden Visa issues suffer from Covid-19

The issuing of five-year residence permits to property investors from outside the European Union has all but ground to a halt. Based on Migration Policy Ministry data, in the year to early September only 368 so-called Golden Visas were issued, taking the sum of investors to have received these permits since the beginning of the program to 7,903. V.5297

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CPT International Airport given green light to resume travel

International visitors will be allowed back in the country from 1 October. V.5295

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UPDATE 2-South Africa to allow travel from all of Africa from Oct. 1

* Travel to and from within continent allowed * Travel restricted from high infection countries * Govt yet to say which countries on restricted list * Business travel to be allowed under certain conditions (Adds details from govt gazette) JOHANNESBURG, South Africa will allow travel from Oct. 1 to and from all countries in Africa as well as other countries where levels of COVID-19 infections are not too high, a government minister said on Friday. V.5296

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Former president Kgalema Motlanthe criticises SA`s treatment of undocumented immigrants

Former president Kgalema Motlanthe has bemoaned South Africa`s treatment of undocumented immigrants. Motlanthe said George Bizos had no citizenship and remained stateless for 31 years after the South African government denied him citizenship. V.5288

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The real problem with government workers in South Africa: Ramaphosa

A streamlined, efficient and well-integrated civil service is the hallmark of a capable state, but South Africa has fallen in a number of areas, says President Cyril Ramaphosa. Writing in his weekly open letter to the public, Ramaphosa said that the government’s key priority is to build a ‘capable state’. “If we are to build a more capable state we have to seriously and urgently address the shortcomings in the organisation and the capacity of the public service,” he said. V.5289

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Here are the official level 1 lockdown rules for South Africa �` including opening borders and limits on gatherings

Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma has published a series of directives which outline the country’s move to a level 1 lockdown and the new rules that are in place. V.5298

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Nightmare Facing South Africans Abroad with Passport Renewals

South Africans abroad are facing a passport renewal nightmare. SAPeople editor Jenni Baxter sat down with Adrian Roos MP (DA Shadow Deputy Minister of Home Affairs) and Justin Adams (DA Abroad UK and Europe Chairperson) to discuss the critical situation SA citizens abroad are facing in obtaining their South African passports from Home Affairs and the SA embassies.To assist South Africans abroad the DA, DA Abroad and SAPeople are petitioning the Minister of Home Affairs. Some of the points raised in the discussion include: V.5291

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The new tax and emigration change South Africans should know about

The draft Taxation Laws Amendment Bill (TLAB), which is open for public comment, will introduce changes for South Africans looking to take their retirement funds abroad. In an analysis of the proposed change, law firm ENSAfrica said that the changes primarily deal with formal emigration with the draft bill suggesting a much stricter process from 1 March 2021 onward. V.5292

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Home Affairs suspends senior official probing allegedly dodgy citizenships

The Public Servants Association of SA has lashed out at the department of home affairs for suspending a senior bureaucrat involved in investigating foreign nationals who allegedly obtained SA citizenship fraudulently. V.5293

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FG Commences Visa Processing on Reciprocity Basis

The federal government has commenced visa processing on a reciprocity basis for applicants from countries that have reopened their international airspace and have begun issuing visas to Nigerian applicants. V.5300

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ConCourt: Children Born in South Africa to Foreign Parents Can Apply For Citizenship

It has taken four years of legal battles �` but now, if you were born in South Africa to foreign parents, you can apply for citizenship. It has been an “agonizing journey” for those who consider South Africa to be their only home. V.5284

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Pay up and your criminal record for some offences could be `expunged`, proposes new law

The Criminal Procedure Amendment Bill seeks to expunge certain criminal records that result from an admission of guilt payment. Justice and Correctional Services Minister Ronald Lamola said the Covid-19 pandemic put the brakes on the introduction of the legislation.* V.5285

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Do you know rich Nigerians are buying citizenship in Caribbean nations to beat visa rules?

For most Nigerian businessmen, holding a Nigerian passport raises a red flag and would often require extra documentation for validation. Nigeria is placed 95 on the annual Henley Passport Index which ranks the world’s passport according to the countries they can visit without a prior visa. Ranked 95, Nigerian passport holders can visit two fewer countries now than they could in 2010 without a visa. V.5287

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Huge number of refugee documents set to expire soon

Concerns are growing about the number of refugees’ and asylum seekers’ documents expiring at the end of October. The Department of Home Affairs has not said how it intends dealing with the disruption caused by Covid-19, insofar as this paperwork is concerned. The Scalabrini Centre in Cape Town has written to home affairs asking for the department’s plan regarding documents held by refugees that are on the point of expiring. V.5290

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`Absolutely devastated`: Thousands of residents on visas locked out of Australia

Thousands of skilled migrants with valid visas to come to Australia are stranded overseas, needing government permission to travel back and reunite with their families and jobs. Under measures to contain the COVID-19 pandemic since March 20, foreign nationals have required a travel exemption to enter Australia even if they already have a visa, though the Department of Home Affairs has refused to disclose the legal basis for this requirement. This includes both short-term visitors and long-term residents on visas. V.5294

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Emirates Airlines banned from operating in Nigeria

UAE’s Emirate Airline has been banned from operating in Nigeria. Emirates Airline has been added to the list of airlines which have been banned from operating in Nigeria. The ban will take effect from the 21st of September. V.5299

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Level one loading: Cyril Ramaphosa set to lift travel ban tonight

While borders and other points of entry will reopen under level one, government has decided to retain the ban on travellers from the US, UK, Spain and Italy �` which are key markets for the revival of the tourism sector V.5272

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Ramaphosa to announce limited international travel, Level 1

*Cabinet is expected to decide on Wednesday on the resumption of international travel. * *But there are strings attached. * *The NCCC has recommended strict visa requirements for anyone entering the country. V.5273

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SA’s borders open on 1 October. Here’s what we know about the rules for tourists.

• South Africa`s borders will open for tourists �` inbound and outbound �` on 1 October, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced on Wednesday night. • But there are caveats, including that some countries may be red-listed based on their coronavirus statistics. • Those arriving need to show a recent negative test for Sars-CoV-2, and should install a government contact-notification app. • Here`s what we know about the rules for international travel into and out of South Africa under Alert Level 1. V.5274

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Ramaphosa`s economic recovery plan gets the green light from business, labour

*The National Economic Development and Labour Council has agreed on an action plan for the country`s economic recovery. * *President Cyril Ramaphosa met with the council on Tuesday. * *Details of the plan will be announced once it is finalised by Cabinet. V.5267

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DA calls on education MEC to intervene so Zim teachers can return to SA

The DA says Zimbabwean teachers locked out of SA due to Covid-19 restriction should be allowed to return to SA. According to the provincial education department, four teachers who were locked out have since been assisted. The department says teachers who are still outside SA`s borders are on unpaid leave. V.5268

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Many more rich South Africans want to leave after Covid-19 �` but not as many as in the US

•Rich people in various countries seem to be reconsidering where they actually want to live after the coronavirus, says consultancy Henley & Partners. •Judging by enquiries about investment migration, that is. •South Africa is among those countries. •But Americans are suddenly way more keen to leave their country than South Africans. V.5269

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`Gear up for easing of lockdown`: Winde to push for Ramaphosa to lift curfew and overseas travel ban

Western Cape Premier Alan Winde wants the curfew lifted and a date for international travel to resume.Premiers are meant to meet with President Ramaphosa and the NCCC to discuss the lockdown. V.5271

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Scalabrini’s ‘abandonment’ court case challenges constitutionality of South African refugee laws

On 17 June 2020, the Scalabrini Centre of Cape Town, represented by Norton Rose Fulbright South Africa Inc, will be heard in the Western Cape High Court regarding certain sections of South Africa’s recently-changed, controversial refugee laws. V.5261

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Scalabrini’s ‘abandonment’ court case challenges constitutionality of South African refugee laws

On 17 June 2020, the Scalabrini Centre of Cape Town, represented by Norton Rose Fulbright South Africa Inc, will be heard in the Western Cape High Court regarding certain sections of South Africa’s recently-changed, controversial refugee laws. V.5264

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These critical skills are in high demand in South Africa

The Department of Higher Education and Training has published its draft list of Occupations in High Demand which aims to establish the skills most in-demand across the country. The significance of the list is that it will form the basis for the updated critical skills list by the Department of Home Affairs, which contains all the skills deemed in short supply in South Africa, said Xpatweb’s Marisa Jacobs. V.5282

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International travel `top of agenda` as Mbalula looks into airlines breaking Covid-19 regulations

Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula says some airlines are not complying with Covid-19 regulations. He says there is no enforcement of the use of masks and sanitisers. Mbalula says government is considering allowing international travel. V.5263

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Life Partner Visa

Life Partner visa is issued to someone in a long term relationship. This type of South Africa life partner visa is available to people in either heterosexual or same-sex relationships and can apply for a life partner temporary residence visa or a permanent residence depending on the length of the relationship in question. V.5257

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South African Spousal Visa

This type of South Africa Spouse or life partner permit is available to people in either heterosexual or same-sex relationships and can be applied for as either a spouse temporary residence permit or a permanent residence permit depending on the length of the marriage or relationship in question. V.5259

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Ramaphosa hints to the easing of Covid-19 restrictions in the coming week

President Cyril Ramaphosa has indicated the **National Coronavirus Command Council will consider submissions on the relaxing of Covid-19 restrictions. He says he is planning to address the nation in the next week. The president says the government has received submissions from the religious section, the tourism sector, sports fraternity and entertainers. V.5260

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Critical Skills Work Visa

The Critical Skills Visa South Africa is for skilled workers whose occupation is on the Critical Skills Visa List for South Africa. This list reflects the occupations that are in demand in South Africa. The newly published `Skills or qualifications determined to be critical for the Republic of South Africa in relation to an application for a Critical Skills Visa or Permanent Residence Visa` V.5249

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South African Business Visa

A business visa may be issued by the Department of Home Affairs to a foreigner intending to establish or invest in a business in South Africa in which he or she may be employed, and to members of such foreigners’ immediate family providing that certain requirements have been met. V.5250

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Inter Company Transfer Visa

An intra-company transfer work Visa may be issued by the Department to a foreigner who is employed abroad by a business operating in the Republic in a branch, subsidiary or affiliate relationship and who by reason of his or her employment is required to conduct work in the Republic. V.5251

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General Work Visa

Under the General Work Visa there are very strict requirements. The South African government, although trying to promote work and trade in South Africa, recognize the need to give South Africans the chance to obtain employment ahead of any foreigner. V.5252

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Why would I use a registered migration agent?/ Practitioner?

Although you do not have to use a registered migration agent to lodge your visa application, they might be able to help you if your case is complex or you require immigration assistance. V.5253

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Financially Independent

An alternative to the Retirement Visa route exists in the financially independent visa for which candidates would need to be able to demonstrate a net asset value totalling not less that R12 million. In addition, it would also be necessary to demonstrate proof of payment of R120,000 as a non-refundable sum to the Director General of Home Affairs. The application for a financially independent visa will lead to permanent residence. V.5255

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URGENT Petition Launched to Resolve Passport Crisis for South Africans Abroad

SAPeople has collaborated with the Democratic Alliance (DA) to petition South Africa’s Home Affairs Minister to resolve the passport renewal crisis that is currently brewing abroad. V.5258

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South Africa will open to ‘most’ countries this week �` and we’re one of the safest destinations in the world: minister

The cabinet’s decision to open the country’s borders on 1 October 2020 to “most” countries is a significant milestone in placing the sector on the irreversible path towards full recovery, says Tourism minister Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane. V.5301

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Briefing to resolve Cape refugee issue delayed to mid-October

Cape Town - The matter of the refugees currently housed in two tented camps in Cape Town took a turn on Tuesday after Parliament`s portfolio committee on home affairs was forced to postpone a briefing to discuss the issue. V.5275

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Even with open borders, SA remains red-listed by many countries, and tourists may not come

• South Africa is reopening its borders, at least partially, soon. • But that doesn`t mean foreign visitors will immediately stream into the country. • Despite relatively low and dropping new coronavirus case numbers, SA remains red-listed by many countries, which means quarantine for those who travel here when they return home. • SA now has to decide whether to accept risky tourists, as the tourism industry looks toward a multi-year recovery. V.5281

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Home Affairs Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi welcomes the arrest of senior government officials for contravening immigration laws

The Minister of Home Affairs Dr Aaron Motsoaledi welcomed the arrest of Mpumalanga Department of Human Settlement Head of Department Mr Keboni Masange by immigration officials on Tuesday, 1 September 2020, in Pretoria. V.5242

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Home Affairs Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi welcomes the arrest of senior government officials for contravening immigration laws

The Minister of Home Affairs Dr Aaron Motsoaledi welcomed the arrest of Mpumalanga Department of Human Settlement Head of Department Mr Keboni Masange by immigration officials on Tuesday, 1 September 2020, in Pretoria. V.5243

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Home Affairs Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi welcomes the arrest of senior government officials for contravening immigration laws

The Minister of Home Affairs Dr Aaron Motsoaledi welcomed the arrest of Mpumalanga Department of Human Settlement Head of Department Mr Keboni Masange by immigration officials on Tuesday, 1 September 2020, in Pretoria. V.5248

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Foreigners wishing to return to South Africa but stuck abroad: The Ins and Outs

Foreigners wishing to return to South Africa but stuck abroad are on the rise with many foreigners anxiously waiting to return to South Africa to join their spouse , life partner or children in South Africa . These are generally people who either went home to get documents or were just caught outside SA during Lockdown and they are not deemed to be a repatriation flight as in a South African or permanent resident travelling from their current location outside of South Africa and wishing to return home .Who is responsible for organising the return to South Africa flights/ ? Or the overland drive returns V.5239

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Home Affairs officials nabbed over false IDs

Pretoria - In A strong message to the rotten apples within Home Affairs’ ranks, law enforcement officials nabbed three officials from the department and their partners for allegedly issuing fraudulent IDs. The officials were arrested in separate operations in Emalahleni and Pretoria. V.5238

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Foreign nationals file class action against Home Affairs to avoid separation from their children

Forced to stay in unbearable marriages and faced with the constant fear of being separated from their children, three foreign nationals have asked the Cape High Court to declare parts of the Immigration Act unconstitutional as it requires them to leave the country if they get divorced and leave their children behind. V.5235

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More South Africans are looking to move to Mauritius �` here are the updated requirements

The Mauritian government has made changes to investment thresholds, the extension of work, residence, retirement permits, and attractive property acquisition options. V.5237

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The new tax and emigration change South Africans should know about

The draft Taxation Laws Amendment Bill (TLAB), which is open for public comment, will introduce changes for South Africans looking to take their retirement funds abroad. In an analysis of the proposed change, law firm ENSAfrica said that the changes primarily deal with formal emigration with the draft bill suggesting a much stricter process from 1 March 2021 onward. “Members of preservation funds and retirement annuity funds may withdraw from such funds if they formally emigrate from South Africa for exchange control purposes and their emigration is approved by the South African Reserve Bank,” said ENSAfrica. V.5266

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If you applied for a passport before lockdown you may now be able to collect it at some banks

• South Africa`s borders remain closed to most travellers, and you still can`t apply for a new passport. • There is no way to extend the validity of passports, the government says. • But those who applied for passports at bank branches before lockdown, at the end of March, can now collect those documents at 20 such branches. • Collections are only available on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. • Here is the list of bank branches where you can collect your passport. V.5234

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If you applied for a passport before lockdown you may now be able to collect it at some banks

South Africa`s borders remain closed to most travellers, and you still can`t apply for a new passport. •There is no way to extend the validity of passports, the government says. •But those who applied for passports at bank branches before lockdown, at the end of March, can now collect those documents at 20 such branches. •Collections are only available on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. V.5236

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A return for international travel? Govt set for ‘talks’ to reopen SA’s borders

For those of you desperate to escape the lockdown nightmare with some international travel plans, hope is on the horizon during Level 2. V.5245

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Minister Motsoaledi applauds law enforcement officials for arresting one former employee and two Home Affairs official for fraud and corruption.

The Minister of Home Affairs, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, applauded law enforcement officials who interrupted the alleged illegal activities of three Home Affairs officials and their external partners who were involved in issuing fraudulent identity documents. These officials were arrested in two separate operations in Emalahleni and in Pretoria. V.5241

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Investigation into R400-million EOH tender heats up

The Department of Home Affairs and the State Information Technology Agency (Sita) faced criticism from the parliamentary portfolio committee on Home Affairs in a meeting on Tuesday 25 August. V.5233

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Table Mountain cableway to reopen

The Table Mountain Aerial Cableway will reopen to domestic tourists from September 1. V.5231

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Virgin Atlantic will pay for medical treatment, quarantine, and funeral if you catch Covid-19

Virgin Atlantic announced that any travel booked directly through the airline between August 24, 2020, and March 31, 2021, will come with complimentary coronavirus insurance. V.5230

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IMPORTANT Advice from High Commissioner for South Africans in the UK with Passports Expiring

South African citizens in the UK, with passports that are expiring, have inundated SAPeople with desperate messages after saying they have been unable to get hold of anybody at the SA Embassy in London for months. Phones have gone unanswered. Offices have been closed. V.5244

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Mum-to-be faces giving birth alone in Australia as partner stuck in NZ

An Australian mother-to-be is `heartbroken` that her partner may miss the birth of their child as he remains stranded in New Zealand. V.5223

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Home Affairs e-services closed during Covid-19 lockdown �` here’s why

Despite the country being immersed in a global pandemic which demands people to keep their distance from each other, the Home Affairs Department’s e-services portal has been shut since the start of the lockdown in March. V.5224

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Countries That Have Reopened For American Tourists

Where can Americans and U.S. passport holders travel right now? Here’s a full list of countries that have reopened their borders for American tourists. V.5225

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Countries Allowed to Travel to Italy

Italy has now reopened for tourism and has recently updated the countries and nations that are permitted to visit, both with restrictions and without. V.5226

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Required Documents for Unmarried Partners of EU Citizens Who Wish to Join Them in Spain

The Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with the Spanish Ministry of Interior has decided to permit entry to unmarried/unregistered partners of EU citizens who wish to reunite in Spain, by establishing a procedure of entry. V.5227

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Cape residents vexed by slow service, `off-line` system at Home Affairs office

Cape Town - Frustrated residents queueing at Mitchells Plain Home Affairs offices on Thursday said they were fed-up with the office`s off-line systems and alleged “slow service” which had led to them repeatedly having to queue, even in rainy weather. V.5228

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Durban metro police bust syndicate producing fake documents

Durban metro police swooped on a flat in Pinetown on Thursday afternoon, where they found fake international driving licences, South African visas, police clearance certificates and refugee permits. V.5220

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New bid to reopen international travel in South Africa

The Western Cape’s provincial minister of Finance and Economic Opportunities David Maynier says that the province will table a formal request with national government on the reopening of international travel. V.5240

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Africa Reopening For Tourism �` Full List of Countries

Many African nations are starting to reopen airports, remove curfews, and slowly resume international tourism. V.5222

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Motsoaledi hands over amended birth certificate for child who was to lose R8m in foreign inheritance

Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi has handed over the amended birth certificate of a minor child who was about to lose out on an R8 million foreign inheritance. V.5218

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BREAKING | Ramaphosa told to lift cigarette, alcohol ban and move to Level 2 lockdown

• Cabinet has been advised to lift the tobacco and alcohol sales ban and move the country to Alert level 2 of the lockdown. • News24 understands that President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to announce his decision this week. • A meeting of senior government officials on Sunday first touted the matter. V.5210

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Why would I use a registered migration agent?/ Practitioner?

Although you do not have to use a registered migration agent to lodge your visa application, they might be able to help you if your case is complex or you require immigration assistance. Registered migration agents are required to: • have a sound knowledge of migration law and procedure • act professionally and in a timely manner • abide by the Code of Conduct for registered migration agents • have appropriate insurance • be a fit and proper person to give immigration assistance and be a person of integrity (this will involve criminal history checks). If you have a problem with a registered agent, you can make a complaint to the Authority �` FIPSA. V.5174

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Asylum seekers can now apply for temporary and Permanent Residence Visas

Constitutional Court ruling overturns Home Affairs directive The Constitutional Court has ruled that asylum seekers whose refugee applications have been refused, can apply for a visa. V.5176

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Mauritius immigration and residence 2020: The key program changes at a glance

Given the deteriorating socio-political and economic situation in SA, the number of South African families securing a Plan B in Mauritius is increasing exponentially in 2020. The following changes announced by the Mauritian Government as part of their Coronavirus budget speech makes it far easier for South Africans to emigrate to the island nation: V.5180

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Foreigners wishing to return to South Africa but stuck abroad

AMENDMENT OF DIRECTIONS ISSUED IN TERMS OF REGULATION 10(8) OF THE REGULATIONS MADE UNDER SECTION 27(2 �` dated 3 July 2020 This is for all foreigners , foreigners who are spouses of South Africans or retired persons , on foreign passports etc wishing to return to SA V.5183

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International travel for S. Africans working, studying abroad

“The Minister of Home Affairs, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi has, following consultations with the Department of International Relations and Cooperation and the NCCC, approved essential travel for South Africans who want to return to countries where they are based,” the department said. South Africans who wanted to travel for these reasons would be required to produce a letter from the embassy where they were headed, confirming the reason for their journey. V.5184

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Refugees , did you know you can qualify for permanent residence via another way other than Indefinite Refugee status

How does this work ? In terms of the Constitutional Court Rule of the Ahmed and Others there was clarity that an asylum seeker could apply via an exemption , leading to temporary residence visa , life partner and spouse visas without having to cancel the asylum status permit and once temporary residence is granted person can easily apply for permanent residence permit . V.5185

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Refugees and Asylum Seekers �` There is hope and options for Temporary / Permanent Residence

On Tuesday 9th October 2018 the Apex Court of South Africa - the highest Court in the land - the Constitutional Court ruled on the situation surrounding the ability of Asylum Seeker Temporary Visa holders and Refugee Permit holders being enabled to change their status to mainstream visas in the Temporary or Permanent Residence categories under The Immigration Act. V.5186

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South Africa’s Border Management Authority dream could be a nightmare

With its deep management problems, centralising border functions under Home Affairs is an expensive and curious decision. V.5217

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`We have reason to be optimistic`: How SA is taming Covid-19 storm

Health minister Zweli Mkhize tests a mattress in one of the newly built Covid-19 wards at Clairwood Hospital in Durban. Mkhize visited urban and rural hospitals in KwaZulu-Natal to check the state of readiness as the pandemic approaches its expected peak in the province. Image: Sandile Ndlovu V.5196

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Indian visit visa holders can soon travel to UAE, says envoy

UAE to be added to the list of counties with which Air Bubble agreement t o be finalised. Visit visa holders from India can soon travel to the UAE based on an `Air Bubble` agreement being finalised between the two countries. V.5197

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Portugal: ‘Gold’ visa scheme brings in €56M in July, 43% less YoY

Funds raised through ‘gold’ visas fell by 43% in July, year-on-year, and fell by 37% compared to June, to €56 million, according to accounts made by Lusa based on SEF statistics. V.5202

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Partner visa processing backlog keeping couples apart as Department of Home Affairs wait time blows out

Celia Audi is worried the delay will mean she and Moses will lose the opportunity to have children Celia met her husband Moses when they were working together in Kenya in 2012. V.5203

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Home Affairs Called to Assist With Passport Struggles for SA Citizens Abroad �` Extend Validity

Many South Africans living abroad are losing the right to work, receive healthcare and remain legally resident in foreign countries because the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has been unable to process their passports and other crucial documents in a timely manner, says Democratic Alliance (DA) Abroad Leader, Dr Rory Jubber. V.5200

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R e c o g n i s ed R e f u g e e

This means that : A refugee can apply for permanent residence if he or she has been living in South Africa on a refugee status permit for a minimum of five consecutive years.143 For a recognized refugee to receive a permanent residence permit, the standing committee for refugee affairs must have certified that that person will remain a refugee “indefinitely.” V.5165

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Preparing to get married

The solemnisation and registration of civil marriages, customary marriages and civil unions are managed by the Department of Home Affairs. Civil marriages are governed by the Marriage Act and regulations issued in terms of the Act. South Africa also recognizes customary marriages through the Recognition of Customary Marriages Act, which became effective in November 2000. Civil unions are recognised in terms of the Civil Union Act (2006). V.5168

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Refugee Status & Asylum

An Asylum Seeker He is a person who has fled his or her country of origin and is seeking recognition and protection as a refugee in the Republic of South Africa, and whose application is still under consideration. In case of a negative decision on his application, he has to leave the country voluntarily or will be deported. V.5169

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Covid-19: How long should I isolate or quarantine for?

It is highly likely that people will need to isolate or quarantine themselves in the coming months, so it is worth trying to understand the reasons for doing so. This is the first of a series of Expert Advisories on how to respond to Covid-19. V.5171

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Covid-19 moves refugees and asylum seekers to the bottom of priorities

Asylum-seekers in South Africa awaiting the outcome of their applications have limited rights to healthcare, education, job security and constantly face harassment, arrest, detention and deportation, says Jessica Lawrence of Lawyers for Human Rights. V.5187

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Visas extended for foreigners stuck in SA: what you need to know

Visa and permits for foreigners stuck in SA have been extended for three more months. Foreigners stuck in SA can breathe a sigh of relief as the government has extended the validity period of their visas. V.5188

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Fears Chinese investors targeted to `game` visa scheme

Fund managers and migration agents are concocting `non-genuine` applications for Australian visas targeted at wealthy Chinese investors, in behaviour that has been flagged to the government as it reviews the contentious $12 billion “golden ticket” program. V.5189

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South Africa’s UK visa offices are open again �` here are the new procedures

Africans in the process of emigrating, have been living in limbo as the coronavirus pandemic sweeps the world. V.5191

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The disappointment of Australia`s new cybersecurity strategy

Finally, after 11 long months, Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton has delivered a drab and inward-looking cybersecurity plan and has complained about encryption yet again. V.5208

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Court tells home affairs to let Chinese man back into SA for birth of his child

STERN WORDS: The Western Cape High Court ordered the home affairs department to `do all things necessary` to allow a man to enter SA for the birth of his child. A Chinese man was forced to take home affairs minister Aaron Motsoaledi to court after his department refused to allow the man back into SA ahead of the birth of his child. V.5170

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Zimbabweans in SA who missed food assistance deadline are desperate

About 3,300 Zimbabweans in South Africa have registered for a once-off food voucher. Zimbabweans who missed the submission deadline on July 19 to apply for food assistance cannot get an extension, Zimbabwean consul general in Johannesburg Melody Chaurura told GroundUp on Wednesday. V.5192

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Children born abroad with one South African parent have right to citizenship - ConCourt

• The Constitutional Court finalised a seven-year legal battle fought by Lawyers for Human Rights on behalf of four people born to SA parents outside the country. • The case centred on the Citizenship Amendment Act of 2010 and how it applied to people born outside of South Africa before January 2013. • Justice Sisi Khampepe slammed the Department of Home Affairs, describing its conduct in the matter as `brazenly incompetent`. V.5182

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Airlines and Airports Warn European PMs on Inconsistent Approach to Travel Restrictions

Europe’s airline and airport associations have expressed their shared concerns over travel restrictions, which according to them are not science-based, through a letter sent to Prime Ministers, as well as Health, Transport and Home Affairs Ministers across EU, Schengen zone and the UK. V.5206

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5 lockdown changes for August that you should know about

The government has made a number of changes to South Africa’s level 3 lockdown regulations as the country grapples the peak in coronavirus cases. The changes are primarily aimed at the reintroduction of various parts of the economy, including concessions aimed at the restaurant industry as well as tourism and sport. These new changes are outlined in more detail below. V.5172

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Travel Journal: What it’s like flying from Australia to Greece during the Covid-19 pandemic

Life has certainly been far from normal since Covid-19 was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organisation on March 11. V.5211

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Repatriation Flights: The Ins and Outs

Repatriation flights are on the rise with many citizens anxiously waiting to return home from their travel destinations. Do you need to book a repatriation flight or fly overseas for essential travel? We can assist you! V.5219

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VFS Offices open for collection of Visas , Visa Results and Permanent Residence Certificates

VFS Offices open for collection of Visas , Visa Results and Permanent Residence Certificates Need more information , please contact us on : Sa Migration International Whatsapp Tel No : +27 (0) 82 373 8415, info@sami.co.za V.5155

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UK visa offices open for South Africans moving to UK

For South Africans contemplating a move to the UK, the visa centres in South Africa are open for new applications. With restrictions easing in Europe, visa offices are starting to reopen globally following the Covid-19 pandemic. The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) has implemented a controlled, phased, reopening of Service Points. V.5156

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South Africa: DA Requests That Home Affairs Ensures That South Africans Living and Working Abroad Have an Extension Stamp Applied to Their Expiring Passports

Many South Africans living abroad are losing the right to work, receive healthcare and remain legally resident in foreign countries because the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) is simply unable to process their passports and other crucial documents in a timely manner. V.5157

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Disaster Management Act: Regulations: Alert level 3 during Coronavirus COVID-19 lockdown

Alert level 3 Restrictions on many actitivies, including at workplaces and socially, to address a high risk of transmission. Alert level 3 is in place since 1 June 2020 V.5173

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Americans Can Travel �` But Should They?

Americans must make tough sacrifices to get our vacations back. It’s not fun, but it’s the right thing to do �` and the fastest way to start traveling again. V.5164

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Home Affairs is extending all permits and visas that were due to expire during the lockdown from the end of July to October 31

Breaking News !!! Home Affairs is extending all permits and visas that were due to expire during the lockdown from the end of July to October 31 Contact us : please email us to info@samigration.com whatsapp me on: +27 82 373 8415, where are you now? check our website : V.5154

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Children born abroad with one South African parent have right to citizenship - ConCourt

• a seven-year legal battle fought by Lawyers for Human Rights on behalf of four people born to SA parents outside the country. • The case centred on the Citizenship Amendment Act of 2010 and how it applied to people born outside of South Africa before January 2013. • Justice Sisi Khampepe slammed the Department of Home Affairs, describing its conduct in the matter as `brazenly incompetent`. V.5166

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BORDERS ARE OPEN: IT’S PEAK HOLIDAY SEASON IN EUROPE BUT ARE EUROPEANS REALLY TRAVELING?

Europe opened its internal borders six weeks ago. Bookings are up, but there’s a big difference between booking a trip and actually taking one. V.5167

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Here`s how matric learners without IDs can go about acquiring one to write their final exams

The short answer You may wish to consult the following organisations for advice The whole question How can matric learners without IDs apply for an ID to write their final exams? Also, what if they aren`t South African citizens? The How can matric learners without IDs apply to write their final exams long answer In 2019 more than 13 000 undocumented students wrote their matric. This followed a hugely important judgement by Judge President of the Eastern Cape, Selby Mbenenge in the Makhanda High Court in December 2019. V.5137

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Refugee Status & Asylum GENERAL PROCEDURE: APPLICATION FOR ASYLUM

An Asylum Seeker He is a person who has fled his or her country of origin and is seeking recognition and protection as a refugee in the Republic of South Africa, and whose application is still under consideration. In case of a negative decision on his application, he has to leave the country voluntarily or will be deported. A Refugee V.5145

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Politicians have a duty to make it clear that immigrants are allowed to live in SA

Daily Maverick V.5146

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Police hit CBD shops

Heavily armed police, army, traffic police and Home Affairs officials rounded up dozens of foreign national shop owners in the CBD on Friday and detained them. They also seized several cartons of cigarettes and counterfeit goods. Dozens of foreign national shop owners operating on Pietermaritz and West Street were detained during a police raid on Friday morning, during which 57 people were arrested. Police, accompanied by members of the army, traffic officers and Home Affairs officials, also seized several cartons of cigarettes and other counterfeit goods. V.5147

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all permits and visas that were due to expire during the lockdown from the end of July to extended to October 31.

Breaking News !!! Home affairs minister Aaron Motsoaledi, addressing parliament during the tabling of his department`s budget vote for 2020/2021 in the National Assembly on Wednesday, Motsoaledi also announced that his department was extending all permits and visas that were due to expire during the lockdown from the end of July extended to October 31. www.samigration.com V.5148

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Four people born outside SA to South African parents granted citizenship

The Constitutional Court said two subsections of the South African Citizenship Amendment Act could be read so that those born to a South African parent, in or outside SA, could acquire South African citizenship. The Constitutional Court on Wednesday ordered the department of home affairs to register the births of four people that it declared were South African citizens, and that they be issued with IDs. V.5151

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Surging cost of UK visa appointments in wake of coronavirus leaving families without legal documentation

People living in the UK legally are being left without proof of their immigration status because of soaring charges for visa appointments during the pandemic, lawyers have warned. Refugees and authorised migrants have been deprived of access to public services because they have been unable to afford appointments to obtain the required documentation since visa centres started reopening last month. Others have spent thousands of pounds on appointments being offered at a higher than usual cost, out of fear that any delay in submitting their biometrics will put their application in jeopardy. V.5152

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This is tantamount to high treason home affairs official fired for selling visas

Home affairs minister Aaron Motsoaledi addressed parliament on Wednesday. The home affairs department has revoked more than 100 visas that an official based in Windhoek fraudulently issued to Pakistan and Bangladesh citizens. Home affairs minister Aaron Motsoaledi, addressing parliament during the tabling of his department`s budget vote for 2020/2021 in the National Assembly on Wednesday, announced that the secretary of civic services based in Windhoek, Namibia, had recently been fired after he was bust selling visas to non- qualifying people in Pakistan and Bangladesh. V.5153

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President Ramaphosa signs Border Management Authority Bill into law

President Cyril Ramaphosa has signed the Border Management Authority Bill of 2020 into law. The new legislation is in force from today, 21 July 2020. The legislation addresses a need identified by government and diverse stakeholders in the economy for an integrated and well coordinated border management service that will ensure secure travel and legitimate trade in accordance with the Constitution and international and domestic law. V.5139

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Indian Ministry of Home Affairs misses deadline for formulating Citizenship Amendment Act rules

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has missed the six month deadline to frame rules for the controversial Citizenship Amendment Act, delaying its implementation and prompting accusations from the Opposition. The CAA, which was passed in December last year and came into force on January 10, provides citizenship to six non-Muslim minorities from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan who entered in India before 31 December, 2014. V.5149

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Saving southern Africa’s oldest language

Language and identity are inextricably interlinked. So what happens when a language dies, or is suppressed? When Katrina Esau spoke to her older sister, Griet Seekoei, they spoke in N|uu. It is a language that only they �` and their brother, Simon Sauls �` could understand. “Griet was a wonderful person,” Esau recalls. “Strict, but wonderful.” Ouma Griet, as she was known, died in May aged 87. Now there are just two remaining speakers of N|uu. “It makes me very sad. No language is more important than another language,” Esau told the Mail & Guardian, speaking from her home in Upington in South Africa’s Northern Cape province. V.5143

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#LoveIsNotTourism: Heartbreak of binational couple separated during SA lockdown

Love follows its own script at the best of times, but the Covid-19 pandemic has added unexpected, devastating twists. As it is, life and love under any level of lockdown pose many challenges to a relationship. With the gradual lifting of restrictions in South Africa, the transitioning has been a rollercoaster ride of emotions, especially in a country where some regulations seem perplexing and contradictory. While those infected by the coronavirus and who have lost their lives or are at risk during the pandemic are foremost in our minds, spare a thought, too, for binational families and couples who have been separated by the pandemic. V.5144

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Three-phase recovery plan: Here’s how tourism will return to South Africa

In revealing their adjusted budget for the remainder of the financial year, the tourism department warned recovery could take up to two years. V.5140

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Foreign doctors can’t register in SA to help with Covid-19 crisis

Foreign-trained doctors in South Africa who are eager to help with the surge in Covid-19 cases are being prevented from doing so by red tape Frustrated, helpless and dejected �` that’s how foreign-trained doctors desperate to register with the Health Professions Council of SA (HPCSA) and help stem the Covid-19 coronavirus epidemic say they feel as they watch the health system and its workers struggle to cope with the mounting cases. V.5138

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The CEO of South African Tourism has revealed that the industry is preparing to lift some restrictions when Level 2 lockdown is implemented.

Level 2 of lockdown might seem like a long way off right now, but some industry professionals �` including those in tourism �` are hopeful that the next step South Africa takes is forward-thinking one. Having already moved from Level 3 to ‘Advanced Level 3’ last month, Cyril Ramaphosa then tightened restrictions on Sunday. COVID-19 cases continue to soar in the country, as Mzansi now heads towards the peak of infections. It may seem unfathomable to start planning ahead, but many trades are facing a fight to survive. Tourist-related businesses have been decimated, and the industry is thought to be losing almost R750 million each day. V.5141

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Why now is the best time for South Africans to apply for Portugal’s Golden visa

It`s clear that people are flocking to this sunny, Mediterranean country. Here’s why so many South Africans are turning to Portugal for residency and retirement. Portugal’s Golden Visa is renowned as one of the most popular investment migration solutions for South Africans. Recent figures showed that residence investments have tripled in May 2020 compared to the previous year. V.5142

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Mission (almost) Impossible: Trying to fly stranded South Africans back home

The ‘boertjie’ who runs Maple Aviation takes flak from all quarters as he tries to bring stranded South Africans home: `I take calls every five minutes from distressed mothers and fathers. And I don’t have a massive staff. It’s basically just me at my dining room table with my computer in Toronto.` Tertius Myburgh is resigned to being maligned. He’s trying to fly stranded South Africans home from the East and they’re mostly “gatvol” from being stuck abroad for months because of the coronavirus lockdown. V.5134

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Repatriation Flights Using SAA - Procedure

• Registration on this portal does not constitute a reservation for the flight, it is only a record of your interest, which will determine the viability to operate the flight. • Confirmation if the flight operates will be latest 48 hours prior to scheduled departure date. • SAA reserves the right to reschedule or cancel flights based on demand. V.5135

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Foreigners wishing to return to South Africa but stuck abroad

AMENDMENT OF DIRECTIONS ISSUED IN TERMS OF REGULATION 10(8) OF THE REGULATIONS MADE UNDER SECTION 27(2 �` dated 3 July 2020 This is for all foreigners , foreigners who are spouses of South Africans or retired persons , on foreign passports etc wishing to return to SA V.5136

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International travel for S. Africans working, studying abroad

South Africans who wanted to travel for these reasons would be required to produce a letter from the embassy where they were headed, confirming the reason for their journey. V.5129

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High court rebukes Cape Town refugee centre

DRC asylum seeker not given adequate reasons for refusal of application: judge The high court has ordered home affairs` refugee centre in Cape Town to reconsider an asylum application by a Congolese woman who was accused of lying about her age. The Western Cape High Court has ordered the home affairs department`s refugee centre in Cape Town to reconsider an asylum application by a Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) national who was accused of lying about her age when she fled to South Africa. V.5150

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Home Affairs welcomes arrest of former employee

Home Affairs Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, has welcomed the arrest of a former departmental employee who appeared in court on charges of fraud and corruption. Kedibone Serumula, a former administrative clerk in Lephalale, Limpopo, was arrested on 30 June 2020. V.5128

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Foreigners wishing to return to South Africa but stuck abroad

AMENDMENT OF DIRECTIONS ISSUED IN TERMS OF REGULATION 10(8) OF THE REGULATIONS MADE UNDER SECTION 27(2 �` dated 3 July 2020 This is for all foreigners , foreigners who are spouses of South Africans or retired persons , on foreign passports etc wishing to return to SA V.5130

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NCCC approves international travel for S. Africans working, studying abroad

The country’s borders were closed with all international flights halted in an attempt to curb the spread of COVID-19. V.5125

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Locked in South Africans may now return to their lives and jobs abroad

After a threat of legal action, the government has eased coronavirus travel restrictions slightly to enable `locked in` South Africans to get on with their studies and livelihoods. The threat of legal action appears to have persuaded the government to relax its coronavirus travel restrictions to allow thousands of South Africans living and working abroad, but trapped in South Africa, to leave the country. V.5126

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Locked in South Africans may now return to their lives and jobs abroad

After a threat of legal action, the government has eased coronavirus travel restrictions slightly to enable `locked in` South Africans to get on with their studies and livelihoods. The threat of legal action appears to have persuaded the government to relax its coronavirus travel restrictions to allow thousands of South Africans living and working abroad, but trapped in South Africa, to leave the country. V.5127

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Foreign nationals become ‘undesirables’ during lockdown

The closure of Home Affairs’ visa and refugee offices during lockdown has had widespread consequences for foreign nationals in South Africa. Many have now become ‘overstayers’, declared ‘undesirable people’. As the national lockdown continues, the government is easing restrictions so that certain sectors of the economy and certain state offices can reopen and people can move more freely. V.5132

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