Articles Archive

03. Dec. 2017 Politics Web

344 547 foreign nationals overstay visitor visas in 2016

Zimbabweans are main culprits, followed by Mozambicans and Malawians Minister Dlodlo must immediately resolve dire inefficiencies at Home Affairs In a reply to a DA Parliamentary question, Home Affairs Minister, Ayanda Dlodlo, revealed that at least 344 547 foreign nationals failed to leave South Africa before or on the date their visas were set to expire. V.4118

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23. Nov. 2017 Tourism Update

Cyber piracy strikes at tourism

Cyber piracy in the tourism industry is fast becoming a major problem, with websites mimicking those of legitimate reserves and lodges. A concerned reader recently alerted Tourism Update to the growing prevalence of cyber piracy within the tourism sector, with companies creating websites that mimic those of reserves and lodges in order to mislead travellers into booking with them instead. V.4113

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20. Nov. 2017 Tourism Update

SA Chinese arrivals outlook

2016 was a bumper year for Chinese arrivals for various reasons, not the least of which was the very low selling price of some of the bottom-end packages offered. While Chinese arrivals in South Africa saw a dip in the first few months of this year, the industry reports that the market has now stabilised and is forecast for growth. V.4108

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20. Nov. 2017 Tourism Update

FlySafair Durban-Eastern Cape routes to boost tourism

Any new route coming into an airport stimulates travel, trade and tourism,' says Terence Delomoney, GM of King Shaka International Airport. FlySafair recently launched a Durban-Port Elizabeth route, and a Durban-East London service will launch on November 27. Bookings are open for both routes. V.4111

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18. Nov. 2017 Perth Now

Evil 8 member David Volmer to be kicked out of Australia after prison release

FORMER Christian pastor and Evil 8 paedophile ring member David Volmer will be turfed out of the country as soon as he is released from jail in WA. Volmer is one of dozens of WA child sex predators who have had their visas cancelled under the Turnbull Government’s hardline stance on deporting criminals on character grounds. V.4104

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16. Nov. 2017 Times Live

Mashaba urges Dlodlo to act on migrant influx

Dlodlo and her department have just over a week to detail their plan to deal with illegal immigrants in Joburg or face court action The City of Johannesburg said on Thursday that the Department of Home Affairs’s inaction on illegal immigration had led to "overwhelming prejudice and hardship" for the city. V.4102

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16. Nov. 2017 Tourism Update

Just launched: ‘Huge’ initiative to boost Chinese arrivals to SA

"The brand awareness this initiative is creating is massive I don’t think South Africa has done anything this big in China before." To cement trade ties, boost investment flows and encourage tourism between South Africa and China, Standard Bank and the Industrial Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) have launched the I Go South Africa loyalty programme in partnership with South African Tourism. V.4110

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5. Nov. 2017 EWN

Home Affairs monitoring borders in wake of Zim political tension

CAPE TOWN - The Home Affairs Department says it's on high alert on the country's northern borders in the wake of political instability in Zimbabwe. Speaking at Parliament on Wednesday, Deputy Minister Fatima Chohan says the government is not anticipating a huge amount of movement of people at this time. The United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) in Southern Africa says it's in constant contact with counterparts in Zimbabwe, who report that the situation is calm. V.4098

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15. Nov. 2017 Sowetan Live

Ordinary Zimbabweans tell us why they want to emigrate

Emigration from Zimbabwe is soaring as ordinary residents despair at the imploding economy and political instability‚ even before the current political turmoil. A month ago‚ the publication's Harare correspondent Nhlalo Ndaba filed this report‚ which we republish today to bring perspective to the unfolding situation: Ahead of Zimbabwe’s general elections‚ scheduled to be held around August 2018‚ the economy is imploding and some professionals as well as ordinary Zimbabweans have lost faith in a political solution and are now looking for greener pastures. V.4101

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14. Nov. 2017 Swazi Observer

PS MASILELA, CHIEF IMMIGRATION OFFICER MUST BE REMOVED FROM HOME AFFAIRS

Home Affairs Principal Secretary (PS) Anthony Masilela and Acting Chief Immigration Officer Makhosi Simelane should be transferred from the ministry of home affairs. This was said in the House of Assembly when Zombodze Emuva MP Titus Thwala moved that the House adopt the report of the select committee investigating the influx of illegal immigrants, particularly of Asian origin. V.4095

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07. Nov. 2017 SA Gov News

Inflow of migrants pushes population to 53 million Stats SA

Cape Town South Africa’s population is estimated to have grown to just under 53 million by the middle of this year, with an inflow of migrants behind much of the 1.2 million population increase since the 2011 Census, Statistician General Pali Lehohla said today. V.4089

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06. Nov. 2017 Durban Tourism tackles accommodation fraud with app

Durban Tourism tackles accommodation fraud with app

The Durban Tourism Accommodation app contains information of 732 eThekwini accommodations. In a bid to reduce fraudulent accommodation establishments, the tourism authority launched the Durban Tourism Accommodation app which contains information of 732 eThekwini accommodations, ranging from three to five star for potential visitors. V.4086

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01. Nov. 2017 Voice of America

Burundian Refugees: It's Not Safe to Go Home

Political unrest and violence prompted more than 400,000 people to flee Burundi and relocate to nearby countries, primarily Rwanda, Uganda and Tanzania. Despite appeals from Burundi and other central African countries to leave their camps and repatriate, Burundian political refugees say they wouldn’t feel safe going back home. Refugees who spoke to VOA say they fear government persecution if they return to Burundi, where President Pierre Nkurunziza remains in power after defying both domestic and international opposition to pursue a third term in 2015. Voice of America reporter Edward Rwema interviews Jacqueline Nduwayezu , 47-year-old mother of six in Mahama Refugee camp, which is home to more than 54,000 Burundian refugees in easter Rwanda. One such refugee is Jacqueline Nduwayezu, a former secondary school teacher who is now living with her six children in the Mahama refugee camp in eastern Rwanda. We are here because there is no security in our country, Nduwayezu told a VOA Central Afri V.4084

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31. Oct. 2017 Tourism Update

August arrivals sees growth dip slightly and France powers ahead

August overseas arrivals grew by 9% year-to-date on 2016 figures, in comparison to July’s 10%. Stats SA’s latest tourism and migration report reveals that August 2017 saw slowed growth in arrivals in comparison to July 2017 August overseas arrivals grew by 9% year-to-date on 2016 figures, in comparison to July’s 10%. V.4082

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30. Oct. 2017 African Independent

SA law saves the neck of Botswana man

THE South African constitution, which outlaws the death sentence, has saved a Botswana citizen from possibly hanging if convicted of a murder charge in his country. Keitekile Jampe, with the help of Lawyers for Human Rights, turned to the high court in Pretoria for an urgent order that he be released from the Lindela Repatriation Camp in Krugersdorp, where he has been detained for more than 430 days pending extradition to Botswana. But Jampe said that if he goes back to his country of origin, he might be hanged. The Botswana police are looking for him in connection with a charge of murder. V.4088

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27. Oct. 2017

UK asylum seekers living in 'squalid, unsafe slum conditions'

Asylum seekers arriving in the UK are forced to live in 'squalid, unsafe, slum housing conditions' and the public is largely unaware of the conditions into which 'traumatised people are routinely dumped', charities have said.

The £600m government contract to provide shelter for those seeking sanctuary in the UK goes up for tender next month as calls mount for for urgent reforms.< V.4076

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27. Oct. 2017 Tourism Update

Sarah Niemand’s ‘eet plekkie’

Sarah Niemand’s ‘eet plekkie’ (small eatery), Blinkwater, is the definition of an authentic, culinary experience. The property is situated in the fishing hamlet of Buffelsjagbaai, 25km outside Gansbaai in the Western Cape. Sarah welcomes guests into the small dining room of her wooden home and serves them traditionally cooked seafood dishes. Inge Altona-de Klerk, Head of Marketing at the neighbouring White Shark Projects, says there are only about 700 people living in the village, who all depend on the sea for their survival. "Blinkwater is an incredible opportunity for travellers to become immersed in Buffelsjagbaai’s culture and traditions. Sarah Niemand is a warm and entertaining host, always ready with a story. Everything about the experience is authentic and transformative and offers the opportunity to break down social barriers." V.4081

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23. Oct. 2017 Buzz South Africa

SA Unemployment Issues: This Is How The Guptas ‘Steal’ Jobs From South Africans

Latest report has shown that the Gupta family’s influence on the South African Home Affairs Department may have caused the increasing loss of jobs in the country. The report says there were many qualified South Africans out of employment who could have done this work had the Gupta family not captured the Home Affairs Department. V.4073

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17. Oct. 2017 Tourism Update

Foreign workers to bear brunt of proposed changes to SA immigration policy

Proposed changes to SA immigration policy with see companies having to fork out more. With an overhaul of South Africa’s immigration system imminent and uncertainty over the impact of some of the proposed changes, concerns are being expressed and companies are advised to keep a close watch. Liesl Venter finds out more. V.4072

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17. Oct. 2017 Tourism Update

Cape’s spectacular growth set to continue with imminent air capacity increase

Cape Town has seen double digit growth of international arrivals from Germany, Switzerland and Austria in the first half of this year. Austrian Airlines, Lufthansa, Edelweiss and Eurowings will be adding or increasing frequency to Cape Town in the coming months. Announcing the re-introduction of Austrian Airlines to South African skies, Wesgro CEO, Tim Harris, said the demand for direct routes to Cape Town from key European markets was growing. V.4083

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13. Oct. 2017 Business Times

Migrant bungling by home affairs officials hampers job creation

The Department of Home Affairs is duty-bound under administrative law to process overdue applications within a reasonable time After two successive quarters of decline, the South African economy spluttered back to life in the second quarter with 2.5% GDP growth quarter on quarter. However, the country’s inability to stimulate job creation is putting it on a collision course with a sustained recessionary period, which spells disaster. V.4067 Click here for full article

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10. Oct. 2017 Sa Migration

Hilarious travel complaints

We all know these travellers. They’re the type that really want to get away from it all, but honestly don’t deserve the privilege. Thankfully, their ridiculous complaints, compiled by Klaudia’s Corner, make for a great pick-me-up on a Monday. 1. ‘They should not allow topless sunbathing on the beach. It was very distracting for my husband who just wanted to relax.’ 2.‘On my holiday to Goa in India, I was disgusted to find that almost every restaurant served curry. I don’t like spicy food.’ 3.‘We went on holiday to Spain and had a problem with the taxi drivers as they were all Spanish.’ V.4066

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05. Oct. 2017 Times Live

Citizenship is hard to come by for skilled immigrants who create jobs

Immigration attorney to challenge in court the unlawful and arbitrary 10-year permanent residency regulation Almost seven years ago, I arrived in SA as a 24-year-old unemployed university graduate from Israel and the US. I had met my then South African partner while on holiday in Cape Town, and due to the US Defence of Marriage Act, which forbade US citizens from sponsoring same-sex partners for green cards, our only option was for him to sponsor me to move to SA as his life partner on a temporary residence visa. V.4068

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03. Oct. 2017 Groundup

Court decision a victory for asylum seekers

The ruling by the Supreme Court of Appeal that the Cape Town Refugee Reception Office must be opened is a victory for asylum seekers. The court found that the director-general of the Department of Home Affairs had used his power unlawfully. On 29 September, the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) found the decision of the director-general of the Department of Home Affairs to close the Cape Town Refugee Reception Office to be unlawful and set the decision aside; overturning a High Court decision. The SCA ordered the Department of Home Affairs to re-open the office within six months. This is the second time that the closure of the Cape Town Refugee Reception Office has come before the Supreme Court of Appeal. The director-general (DG) first decided to close the office in 2012; however, the decision was set aside by the High Court and an order given that the office must be re-opened. V.4064

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02. Oct. 2017 MoneyWebb

Spain emerging as top investment for South Africans

As more South Africans look to invest in property abroad, Spain’s golden visa programme is offering them one of the best deals in global real estate. With the Spanish property market in full growth phase and Spain’s GDP growth nearly double the Eurozone average at 3.2%, Spanish real estate is emerging as a strong investment for foreign nationals. For South Africans looking to buy property overseas, the benefits of investing in the Spanish market are two-fold; buyers can make a return on their investment and can easily rent their second home to either locals or the millions of tourists who visit Spain each year. V.4060

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28. Sep. 2017 CPA

Home Affairs: a production-industry partner

RSA visa applications just got easier for foreign production stakeholders If you’ve ever brought a foreign client or production specialist into the country for a shoot, you know how complicated visa acquisition can be. And in the fast-paced production industry, with specialists constantly on the go, you don’t always have the time or the means to meet the requirements, like regular travellers do. V.4062

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25. Sep. 2017 Sa Migration

A growing need for specialised immigration practitioners

RSA visa applications just got easier for foreign production stakeholders If you’ve ever brought a foreign client or production specialist into the country for a shoot, you know how complicated visa acquisition can be. And in the fast-paced production industry, with specialists constantly on the go, you don’t always have the time or the means to meet the requirements, like regular travellers do. V.4062

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21. Sep. 2017 Sa Migration

You have overstayed your Visa, now What!!!

Overstaying ones visa is a common occurrence among expats in South Africa and in recent months overstaying one visa has moved from being a minor inconvenience to a possible criminal offence with potentially serious ramifications. The changes brought about by the new immigration laws have made overstaying ones visa a very serious affair which needs a careful and smart approach to remedy. In this article we will explore the effect of overstaying ones visa and what steps to take to correct this now serious matter. V.4052

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20. Sep. 2017 Fin24

Why Treasury wants to keep the 183 day rule for expat taxpayers

Cape Town National Treasury believes that the 183 day threshold for South Africans working outside the country should remain in the proposed amendments to the tax laws. National Treasury is in the process of repealing tax exemption laws on income earned by South Africans working overseas through two bills, the 2017 Taxation Laws Amendment Bill and the 2017 Draft Tax Administration Laws Amendment Bill. If planned new legislation goes through Parliament, South Africans who work overseas could be taxed locally for foreign earnings from March 1 2020. V.405

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12. Sep. 2017 Groundup

Refugee children miss school to renew asylum permits

"My mom says I should be strong, but my feet always hurt from standing in the long queues" - grade 4 child Chido, Esther and Irvin, aged 12, ten and six respectively, are missing school. Instead of going to class they are queuing at the Desmond Tutu Refugee Centre in Pretoria to renew their asylum-seeking papers. "I grew up in these long queues, coming to get our asylum papers," says Chido. Her family is originally from Zimbabwe but Chido was born in South Africa. To date her family has not yet been granted refugee status. She says t V.4055

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11. Sep. 2017 The Citizen

Firms with foreigners doing work incompatible with visas can be fined

Institute for Race Relations CEO Frans Cronje said it was always a good thing to attract highly skilled migrants, particularly those who start businesses. The head of immigration at Immigration & Business Solutions, Sue-Allan Mehl, told The Citizen there was a serious skills shortage in South Africa in a number of fields. Yet it seems from the Gupta e-mails that the Department of Home Affairs barely understands its own paperwork, issuing visitors visas for people coming to work here and work visas for people in one capacity who are ultimately employed in another. V.4090

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14. Jul. 2017 The Witness

Immigrant pupils fear expulsion

Immigrant pupils in the city fear expulsion after they were asked to submit either a South African identity document, a valid passport or study permit to their schools. V.4047

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14. Jul. 2017 Times Live

Angolan former refugees exempted

Government brought brief relief to Angolan former refugees when it granted a blanket exemption to those who qualified but would not provide reasons why it was limited to a period of four years. V.4049

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07. Jul. 2017 Traveler 24

Home Affairs closed this weekend as wage dispute continues

Cape Town - If you were planning to collect your passport, smart-card ID or visa documents on Saturday, best you make alternative plans. V.4044

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30. Jun. 2017 The Citizen

Constitutional Court protects rights of detained immigrants

This despite the fact that it will now become very expensive to process the arrests of undocumented migrants. Lawyers for Human Rights (LHR) has welcomed a unanimous Constitutional Court ruling upholding the rights of all detainees also alleged illegal immigrants to access our courts. V.4041

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27. Jun. 2017 IOL

Home Affairs faces 50 new lawsuits every week

Johannesburg - The Home Affairs Department is being slapped with about 50 cases of litigation on a weekly basis, deputy director-general for institutional planning and support Thulani Mavuso said. V.4039

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25. Jun. 2017 Fin 24

5 ways Cape Town and Western Cape plan to maintain investor confidence

Cape Town After engaging with stakeholders the Western Cape investment agency Wesgro has set out five ways in which investor confidence can be maintained in Cape Town and the Western Cape after SA recent credit ratings downgrades by ratings agencies. V.4037

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24. Jun. 2017 Timeslive

Over 90% of Home Affairs offices closed on Saturday

Over 90% of the Department of Home Affairs offices were not operating on Saturday despite a settlement agreement reached with trade unions just over a week ago the department confirmed. V.4036

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20. Jun. 2017 Citizen

Home affairs to brief parliament on Guptas’ naturalisation

The department maintains the application to grant the controversial family citizenship was lawful. V.4029

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20. Jun. 2017 The Daily Vox

South Africa’s borders may become even more unwelcoming to asylum seekers

Asylum seekers may face greater difficulties entering South Africa once Parliament enacts legislation to create a new agency that will have full control of the country’s borders and ports, and once the department of home affairs opens new processing centres for asylum seekers. V.4032

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18. Jun. 2017 Daily Maverick

MPs call for Gigaba testimony after home affairs minister DG fail to appear

Within 10 years Home Affairs wants to be at the centre of South Africas security and economic development. To fulfill its vision the departments recently published discussion document proposes raising own funds by requiring institutions from public schools and hospitals universities but also banks conveyance attorneys and airlines to verify a persons identity against a fee with Home Affairs’ biometric database before accessing services. The document also proposes raising funds through identity verification provided to the commercial sector. This move into the heart of governments security cluster may just turn into a nightmare. By MARIANNE MERTEN. V.4025

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18. Jun. 2017 Daily Maverick

Whose democracy is it anyway? Home Affairs’ chilling move on your money, and your freedom

Within 10 years Home Affairs wants to be at the centre of South Africas security and economic development. To fulfill its vision the departments recently published discussion document proposes raising own funds by requiring institutions from public schools and hospitals universities but also banks conveyance attorneys and airlines to verify a persons identity against a fee with Home Affairs’ biometric database before accessing services. The document also proposes raising funds through identity verification provided to the commercial sector. This move into the heart of governments security cluster may just turn into a nightmare. By MARIANNE MERTEN. V.4025

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17. Jun. 2017 ENCA

Home Affairs Dept ordered to appear in Parly over Guptas SA citizenship

JOHANNESBURG - Parliaments portfolio committee on home affairs has ordered the Home Affairs Department to appear before it and provide details around the naturalisation of the Gupta family. V.4021

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15. Jun. 2017 Destiny Reporter

New Home Affairs says Gigaba granted Gupta’s citizenship lawfully

Former Minister of Home Affairs Malusi Gigaba did nothing wrong in granting the Gupta family South African citizenship, his successor Hlengiwe Mkhize said on Wednesday "I have looked at all the documentation and I thought [that] if I was in a similar position I would have considered the request in a favourable manner," Mkhize said, adding that there was therefore no reason to investigate the matter further. V.4023

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12. Jun. 2017 Daily Maverick and News24

#GuptaLeaks: Delhi Daredevils staff member contacted Guptas for SA visa assistance

Leaked emails show that a visa application for somebody connected to the Delhi Daredevils cricket team was expedited when the side made it to the semi-finals of the Champions League T20 tournament in South Africa in 2012. But only after he had contacted Ajay Gupta directly Much has been written about Malusi Gigabas time as home affairs minister. Particularly how a senior Gupta employee Ashu Chawla repeatedly asked officials to fast-track visas to benefit Gupta businesses. Now further leaks show that these officials were pulling favours even before he took up the post. V.4017

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30. Nov. 2017 Tourism Update

SA September arrivals increase Brazil, France continue to perform

A year-on-year comparison between 2016 and 2017 for Q3 shows that the number of overseas tourists increased by 5%. September arrivals increased by 2,1% year-to-date, from 1 273 734 in September 2016 to 1 300 502 in September 2017. A month-to-month comparison indicates a small drop of 0,1%, from August 2017’s figure of 1 302 312 V.4117

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21. Nov. 2017 News 24

Tweets over ID book validity false - Home Affairs

Johannesburg The Department of Home Affairs has dismissed as false, tweets claiming that the green, barcoded, South African identity book was reaching the end of its lifespan. 'No such announcement has been made by the department. We wish to make it clear that the green barcoded ID book remains a legal form of identification and will continue to be until such time that the live capture system is rolled out to all home affairs offices to enable South Africans to apply for the smart ID cards at their nearest offices,' department spokesperson David Hlabane said. V.4112

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20. Nov. 2017 Tourism Update

Rwanda: Visas on arrival for all

Rwanda is among the countries that have taken a leading role in implementing the AU's recommendations. From January 1, 2018, all travellers to Rwanda, regardless of nationality, will get a 30-day visa on arrival without prior application. Rwandans with dual nationality are now allowed to use National IDs on entry. V.4109

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18. Nov. 2017 Times Live

Zuma launches 'one stop shop' to facilitate foreign investment

President Jacob Zuma on Saturday opened a one stop shop in Durban as part of attempts to simplify doing business in SA. President Jacob Zuma realised one of his presidential prerogatives on Saturday when he launched a one stop shop to encourage more foreign and local investment in KwaZulu-Natal. V.4103

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18. Nov. 2017 Mercopress

UK and France Home ministers emphasize security and law enforcement cooperation

UK Home Secretary Amber Rudd and the Minister of the Interior of France, Gerard Collomb, met in London on Friday and discussed a range of home affairs matters including joint efforts to fight terrorism, illegal migration, border security and efforts to tackle serious and organized crime. V.4105

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16. Nov. 2017 Cape Argus

New refugee documents welcomed

Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Fatima Chohan says machine-readable travel documents are more secure. Picture: Brenton Geach Cape Town - The government has introduced a new way to better manage its refugee and asylum seekers with an improved refugee travel document. The new machine-readable travel document for refugees has been designed and developed using the latest passport production technology and security standards. V.4106

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15. Nov. 2017 The South African

South Africans and the UK Visitor Visa

With the very large South African community living in the UK, it is no surprise that we receive many queries on the UK Visitor Visa. Grandparents, parents, friends, and family all want to visit those fortunate enough to live in the UK. There is also a large number of persons wanting to visit the UK to explore business and job opportunities, before making a final decision about moving to the UK. Do South Africans need a UK Visitor Visa to travel to the UK? South African nationals are regarded as visa nationals by the UK Government. All South African citizens thus need to apply for UK Visitor Visas, before traveling to the UK. V.4097

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15. Nov. 2017 Times Live

8 things you need to know about the Zimbabwean exemption permit

Zimbabweans whose seven-year special dispensation visas will run out in December‚ have been given a reprieve. Many had feared they would have to return to Zimbabwe‚ leaving their jobs and homes behind. However, the South Africa government announced that Zimbabweans on special dispensation visas‚ which were issued in 2010 and expire in December‚ can apply for new visas called Zimbabwe Exemption Permits (ZEP). V.4100

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15. Nov. 2017 EWN

Home Affairs introduces new machine-readable travel documents for refugees

Home Affairs Deputy Minister Fatima Chohan says that the new documents are more secure and should facilitate safer travel for refugees. The Home Affairs Department has introduced a new machine-readable travel document for refugees. V.4107

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14. Nov. 2017 SA Good News

School Exchanges SA Leading Destination?

This week I received a letter from Jackie Verall in the UK who runs school exchange programmes. "I was wondering if I could bore the pants off you with an editorial or a blog about how my little UK company is cutting a swathe through Europe offering high school experiences in South Africa. No, it’s not a plug for my business but just to say how South Africa is booming in Europe and kids are coming a plenty to study and experience the great South African way." V.4096

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06. Nov. 2017 Tourism Update

Mozambique visa update: requirements for non-SADC cruise passengers

Non-SADC cruise passengers visiting the Mozambique islands will need to obtain a visa prior to arrival. Non-SADC passengers onboard the MSC Sinfonia were previously granted visas onboard when stopping in Mozambique, however the Mozambican government informed the company on October 30 that this is no longer the case and that non-SADC passengers would have to obtain a visa prior to arrival. V.4085

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06. Nov. 2017 Sowetan Live

Rush to land legal status in SA

Thousands of Zimbabweans have to queue for hours in a desperate race against time to retain their legal status in South Africa. An estimated 200000 Zimbabweans working in South Africa use legal Special Dispensation Permits that expire on the last day of the year. However, former minister of Home Affairs Hlengiwe Mkhize offered a last-minute reprieve, allowing them to apply for a new work permit - the Zimbabwean Exemption Permit - by November 30. V.4087

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31. Oct. 2017 Tourism Update

August arrivals sees growth dip slightly and France powers ahead

August overseas arrivals grew by 9% year-to-date on 2016 figures, in comparison to July’s 10%. Stats SA’s latest tourism and migration report reveals that August 2017 saw slowed growth in arrivals in comparison to July 2017 August overseas arrivals grew by 9% year-to-date on 2016 figures, in comparison to July’s 10%. V.4079

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30. Oct. 2017 Tourism Update

Mozambique: new visa requirements for non-SADC passport holders

Non-SADC passport holders require a visa for Mozambique, which must be obtained prior to departure. MSC Cruises Immigration Officer on board MSC Sinfonia has advised that with immediate effect, all non-Southern African Development Community passport holders require a Mozambican visa. V.4080

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27. Oct. 2017 EWN

Apleni ruling could have consequences for other suspended DGs

CAPE TOWN - A court ruling setting aside the suspension of the Home Affairs Director General (DG), Mkuseli Apleni, could have consequences for two other suspended DGs. The High Court found that unless delegated by the president, ministers do not have powers to suspend DGs. V.4074

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27. Oct. 2017 iol.co.za

Oppenheimer-owned Fireblade wins court

Pretoria - The Oppenheimer family's company Fireblade on Friday won its legal battle in the Gauteng High Court, Pretoria when a judge declared that former Home Affairs Minister Malusi Gigaba did indeed give the company the go-ahead to run a customs and immigration service at OR Tambo International Airport. V.4077

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24. Oct. 2017

White Paper on Migration: border refugee processing facilities: implementation by Home Affairs

Meeting Summary The Department of Home Affairs briefed the Committee on implementing the White Paper on International Migration including establishing one stop border posts (OSBP) and refugee processing farcicalities closer to the border. The DHA noted that in the 2016/17 financial year, it produced the White Paper on International Migration (WPIM) which was approved by the Cabinet on 29 March 2017 and gazetted on 28 July 2017 for public comment. The WPIM provided a new policy framework that would guide the comprehensive review of immigration and related legislation. Those elements of the WPIM that required administrative action was already being implemented. However, those elements of the WIPM that required major changes would not be implemented immediately pending the finalisation of a new legislation. V.4078

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17. Oct. 2017 Tourism Update

Foreign workers to bear brunt of proposed changes to SA immigration policy

Proposed changes to SA immigration policy with see companies having to fork out more. With an overhaul of South Africa’s immigration system imminent and uncertainty over the impact of some of the proposed changes, concerns are being expressed and companies are advised to keep a close watch. Liesl Venter finds out more. The White Paper on Immigration released by the Department of Home Affairs in July this year will introduce significant changes to the immigration landscape and, while much is still up in the air, companies can expect to fork out more. V.4071

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17. Oct. 2017 Tourism Update

Cape’s spectacular growth set to continue with imminent air capacity increase

Cape Town has seen double digit growth of international arrivals from Germany, Switzerland and Austria in the first half of this year. Austrian Airlines, Lufthansa, Edelweiss and Eurowings will be adding or increasing frequency to Cape Town in the coming months. Announcing the re-introduction of Austrian Airlines to South African skies, Wesgro CEO, Tim Harris, said the demand for direct routes to Cape Town from key European markets was growing. V.4075

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14. Oct. 2017 City Press

Zimbabwean diaspora in SA loses interest in Zim affairs

Zimbabweans who have fled economic hardship and political problems to fend for their families in South Africa have lost interest in the affairs of their country. They did not care who was sacked this week by President Robert Mugabe or who was appointed to his newly reshuffled Cabinet, saying their country’s woes required economic policies that would ease the hardships faced by their families back home. V.4070

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11. Oct. 2017 Times Live

Queues of desperation: Zimbabweans race against time for work permits

LONG WAIT Desperate Zimbabweans seeking work permits queue for hours outside the Visa Facilitation Services office in Midrand Thousands of Zimbabweans have to queue for hours in a desperate race against time to retain their legal status in South Africa. An estimated 200,000 working Zimbabweans in South Africa use legal Special Dispensation Permits that expire on the last day of the year. However, former minister of Home Affairs Hlengiwe Mkhize gave a last-minute reprieve, allowing them to apply for a new work permit - the Zimbabwean Exemption Permit - by November 30. V.4099

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06. Oct. 2017 Tourism Update

SA experiences lacklustre season for Indian arrivals

South African visa efficiency major factor contributing to decline in Indian arrivals. This year, SA saw a lacklustre season for Indian arrivals surprising everyone after last year’s growth. Industry specialists share the factors that have resulted in this dip in the market. Johan Groenewald, MD of Royal African Discoveries, says there are a number of reasons why Indian arrivals are down. "The first thing we have to take into consideration is that 2016 was an exceptional year, the growth was remarkable, and so we shouldn’t expect to see the same numbers as last year. V.4065

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05. Oct. 2017 The Citizen

Migration issues highly politicised home affairs minister

South Africa is grappling with balancing entry for skilled migrants and refugees with creating jobs for its 27.7% unemployed citizens. Migration issues were "highly politicised" because they involved power relations and contestation for space and scarce resources, that’s according to the minister of home affairs, Professor Hlengiwe Mkhize. "Migration issues are highly politicised, they are about power relations amongst those who are migrating and the receiving countries. It’s about contestation of space and scarce resources," she said. Mkhize was speaking at the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s Westville campus in Durban on Thursday during a dialogue on the management of international migration. V.4069

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02. Oct. 2017 Mail & Guardian

Zimbabweans get four-year grace

Zimbabweans have become part of South Africa’s fabric. There are anywhere between one and three million Zimbabweans living and working in the country. More than 200 000 Zimbabweans are here on a special visa that will expire at the end of the year. Although government has outlined paths for them to remain in the country legally, the process is clouded by confusion and bureaucratic hurdles. V.4059

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02. Oct. 2017 Tourism Update

July Arrivals: The verdict is in

Stats SA has released its latest tourism and migration report and the verdict on July arrivals is in. Total arrivals are up by 2% and overseas arrivals are up 10%, with Central and South America leading the charge at 90% year-to-date growth. Brazil arrivals continue to grow exponentially with a year-to-date increase of 119%, as 17 524 arrivals in 2016 increased to 38 460 arrivals in 2017. Argentina isn’t far behind Brazil, at an 89% year-to-date increase and a 71% month-to-month increase. While Mexico has shown a 42% year-to-date increase. V.4061

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28. Sep. 2017 Cape Times

Visa changes keep immigrants offside

So the Supreme Court of Appeal found earlier this week. The judgment comes after Home Affairs Minister Hlengiwe Buhle Mkhize and department director-general Mkuseli Apleni appealed a previous high court ruling that asylum seekers were entitled to apply for visitors and work visas while in the country. The matter was brought to the Western Cape High Court in 2003 by the Legal Resources Centre on behalf of 13 asylum seekers. It was settled, and an order, which came to be known as the "Dabone Order", was agreed on between the parties. Following the Dabone Order, the director-general soon issued a directive that asylum seekers in possession of a permit could apply for one of the temporary residence permits, as well as permanent residency. V.4063

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25. Sep. 2017 Sa Migration

Rejection and Appeals: What to do when your application has been rejected.

As with any change there comes with it a lot of miscommunication and an increase in the number of failed applications. It appears that there has been a sharp increase in the number of visa and permit application being rejected and many prospective immigrants are left to wonder how on earth they can navigate this now even more complex immigration system. In this article we will unpack the reasons why some applications get rejected and when and how to do an appeal to have the decision reviewed. V.4058

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20. Sep. 2017 Fin24

Why Treasury wants to keep the 183 day rule for expat taxpayers

Cape Town National Treasury believes that the 183 day threshold for South Africans working outside the country should remain in the proposed amendments to the tax laws. National Treasury is in the process of repealing tax exemption laws on income earned by South Africans working overseas through two bills, the 2017 Taxation Laws Amendment Bill and the 2017 Draft Tax Administration Laws Amendment Bill. If planned new legislation goes through Parliament, South Africans who work overseas could be taxed locally for foreign earnings from March 1 2020. V.4053

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20. Sep. 2017 ZIMEYE

New SA Permits Relieve Zimbos

Zimbabweans staying in South Africa have commended the host government for introducing a new four-year permit known as the Zimbabwe Exemption Permit (ZEP) for those wishing to study or work in that country. The ZEP is valid between January 1, 2018 and December 31, 2021, and replaces the Zimbabwe Special Permit (ZSP) whose lifespan expires on December 31 this year. According to South Africa’s Home Affairs Department, the ZEP facility is only available to 197 941 holders of the ZSP permit. In separate interviews yesterday, Zimbabweans said the new development brought about an end to months of speculation on reports that the country was introducing tough measures for immigrants. "This is a relief to the thousands of Zimbabweans who have endured several months of speculation on their status at the expiry of the ZSP," said Mr Giyani Dube a representative of Zimbabweans staying in South Africa. V.4056

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11. Sep. 2017 Tourism Update

German arrivals on the up

German arrivals continue to grow, even during SA’s winter months. German visitors to South Africa have increased by 15% according to the latest report released by Statistics SA. The German market has shown a steady increase over the last few months, with arrivals up by 24% for the month of June compared with June last year. Growth in May was 5% and April 15.91%. V.4051

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11. Sep. 2017 Times Live

Home Affairs can’t explain kids allegedly smuggled out of SA

The Department of Home Affairs has no idea how a British national managed allegedly to smuggle his three children from Johannesburg through the Lebombo border post into Mozambique without their mother's consent. Despite the Department of Home Affairs’ stringent laws on children travelling in and out of the country‚ the department still has no idea how a British national managed allegedly to smuggle his three children from Johannesburg through the Lebombo border post into Mozambique without their mother's consent. V.4091

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14. Jul. 2017 Times Live

Angolan former refugees

Government brought brief relief to Angolan former refugees when it granted a blanket exemption to those who qualified but would not provide reasons why it was limited to a period of four years. V.4048

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07. Jul. 2017 Business Tech

How home affairs plans to collect and use your personal data

One of the key proposals of the document is a complete restructuring of Home Affairs, taking steps towards becoming completely self-sustainable. V.4042

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30. Jun. 2017 The Citizen

Constitutional Court protects rights of detained immigrants

This despite the fact that it will now become very expensive to process the arrests of undocumented migrants. Lawyers for Human Rights (LHR) has welcomed a unanimous Constitutional Court ruling upholding the rights of all detainees also alleged illegal immigrants to access our courts. V.4040

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27. Jun. 2017 Tourism Update

Industry reacts to Rwandan permit increase

Rwandas permit hikes may be in response to the surge in high-end tourism development. The recent doubling of Rwandas gorilla permits from 0 to rdaddphp 500 has resulted in concerns from some operators over the potential impact of the increase. V.4038

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26. Jun. 2017 Business Tech

Home Affairs wants to start collecting and selling your personal data and charging for it

On 30 June, the ANC’s National Executive Committee will meet to review ANC policy and makes recommendations on amendments or new policies to the National Conference. V.4043

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24. Jun. 2017

ALERT: Home Affairs services hard-hit due to insufficient staff

Cape Town - The Department of Home Affairs confirms that over 90% of DHA offices are closed on Saturday due to insufficient staff numbers which Home Affairs says is not inline with the recent settlement agreement with the Unions. V.4033

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20. Jun. 2017 TimesLIVE

South Africas asylum seeker figures questioned

South Africa has been singled out for the skewed figures representing the latest global asylum-seeker population according to the UN Human Rights Council. V.4027

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20. Jun. 2017 Times Live

Uprooted Zimbabweans may soon be forced to leave SA

Zimbabweans who came to South Africa after the economic collapse of 2008 are facing the threat of having to uproot themselves once more as their visas expire. V.4031

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20. Jun. 2017 Times Live

SA promises to improve processing of refugees on World Refugee Day

South Africa has offered hope for refugees and asylum seekers promising to digitise its systems to make their lives easier. Home affairs deputy minister Fatima Chohan said the department would soon be introducing biometric smart cards for refugees similar to the new identity cards for South African citizens. V.4034

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19. Jun. 2017 Groundup

Refugees struggle to renew papers at Home Affairs

Cape Town - A number of refugees from Somalia say they keep getting turned away at the Customs House foreshore offices of Home Affairs when trying to renew their documents. V.4046

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17. Jun. 2017 ECN

Home Affairs makes U-turn on disciplinary action against workers

Home Affairs agreed to enter negotiation with unions after the Bargaining Councils conciliation hearing on Thursday. without paying them overtime. V.4020

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16. Jun. 2017 News Ghana

SA and UNHCR to mark World Refugees Day with tolerance exercises

The Department of Home Affairs and United Nations Commission on Human Rights (UNHCR) have announced that they will jointly commemorate World Refugee Day in eThekwini Municipality to promote social cohesion, tolerance and peaceful co-existence among refugees, asylum-seekers and host communities. V.4019

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15. Jun. 2017 The Citizen

Gigaba hammers media for helping to peddle ‘lies’ about him

The minister alleges a paid campaign started being waged against him since he became finance minister. "We must try, to the best of our abilities, to avoid being information peddlers," Gigaba told journalists at the end of a media briefing in Pretoria on Thursday after speaking about the state of the economy. V.4024

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12. Jun. 2017 News 24

Gigaba pushed through Guptas SA citizenship - EFF

Cape Town - The EFF says it has received reliable information that whilst Malusi Gigaba was minister of home affairs he unduly granted the Gupta family South African citizenship. V.4018

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