Articles Archive

UK announces limits on regular migration as it tries to turn polls around

London (AFP) Britain`s embattled Conservative government unveiled a raft of measures Monday aimed at cracking down on record levels of migration a key battleground in a general election expected next year. Home Secretary James Cleverly unveiled proposals to cut regular migration. The UK announced it would raise the minimum salary threshold for a skilled worker visa and prevent overseas health and social care staff from bringing family dependents to Britain. V.5106

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Foreign parents: Constitutional Court declares parts of Immigration Act unconstitutional

The Constitutional Court has ruled that parts of the Immigration Act are unconstitutional. • The Constitutional Court has declared sections of the Immigration Act invalid and unconstitutional as they discriminate against foreign divorced and separated parents. • According to the act, a foreigner on a spousal visa must leave the country when their relationship with a South African ends, even if they have children together. • The court gave Parliament 24 months to make the necessary amendments to the act, so it is consistent with the Constitution. V.5107

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The right to apply for asylum in South Africa

The Constitutional Court (CC) recently handed down an important judgment which speaks to the right to apply for asylum in South Africa. Over the past several years, we have seen more and more anti-foreign national rhetoric in the public domain, with even high-ranking government officials contributing to the narrative that foreign nationals are the cause of many of South Africa’s issues. This has resulted in a continuingly shrinking safe space for foreign nationals who intend on seeking refuge in the country. Given our current socio-political climate, this judgment comes at a critical time where the rights of vulnerable people must be protected, in line with our international and domestic obligations. At a glance. V.5100

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Sting operation prevents 443 Zimbabwean children being trafficked into South Africa, says home affairs

42 buses from Zimbabwe were stopped and searched at the Beitbridge border post. • On Saturday evening, 42 buses from Zimbabwe were stopped and searched at the Beitbridge border post. • According to home affairs, 443 unaccompanied minor children were found on the buses. • It is alleged that the children were being trafficked into South Africa. The Border Management Authority (BMA) at the Beitbridge border post has stopped more than 40 buses carrying about 440 unaccompanied children, who were allegedly being trafficked into South Africa. V.5101

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Sting operation prevents 443 Zimbabwean children being trafficked into South Africa, says home affairs

42 buses from Zimbabwe were stopped and searched at the Beitbridge border post. • On Saturday evening, 42 buses from Zimbabwe were stopped and searched at the Beitbridge border post. • According to home affairs, 443 unaccompanied minor children were found on the buses. • It is alleged that the children were being trafficked into South Africa. The Border Management Authority (BMA) at the Beitbridge border post has stopped more than 40 buses carrying about 440 unaccompanied children, who were allegedly being trafficked into South Africa. V.5102

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Sting operation prevents 443 Zimbabwean children being trafficked into South Africa, says home affairs

42 buses from Zimbabwe were stopped and searched at the Beitbridge border post. • On Saturday evening, 42 buses from Zimbabwe were stopped and searched at the Beitbridge border post. • According to home affairs, 443 unaccompanied minor children were found on the buses. • It is alleged that the children were being trafficked into South Africa. V.5103

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Exploring Canada`s rental cost, Most and least expensive cities

Each year, Canada attracts numerous international students who enter the country by obtaining study visas and permits. These students are required to adhere to specific conditions throughout their academic journey. One crucial aspect that international students often consider is Canada’s rental cost. One major issue affecting international students’ entire experience in Canada is the expense of renting. It is crucial that they comprehend and budget for the costs related to housing while they are studying in the nation. Furthermore, international students looking for accommodation in Canada may make better decisions if they are aware of the rental circumstances and market trends. V.5104

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Protection of asylum seekers and of children facing lifelong statelessness highlighted in two significant South African decisions, case note extracts

Asylum seekers face huge obstacles trying to reach a country that can offer them refuge. One of their greatest challenges is the risk of detention on arrival because their entry to the country is unauthorised. Now a landmark judgment reinforces protection of asylum seekers and respect for their right to seek and enjoy asylum even if they are in the country unlawfully, while the state’s responsibility in cases of statelessness, another major problem for refugees, is considered in a second decision. Asylum seekers face numerous obstacles as they strive to reach a country that can offer them refuge. One of the greatest challenges they encounter is the risk of detention upon their arrival. This is because they often enter countries through unauthorized means like using false documentation, entering without proper authorization, and relying on smugglers to assist them. V.5105

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Latest updates in global immigration

This week, the Global Immigration team at Smith Stone Walters would like to highlight the following recent updates from Australia, Denmark, Hong Kong, Israel, the Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland and the United States. Australia: Start date set for permanent residence changes The Department of Home Affairs has set a start date of 25 November 2023 (subject to the approval of regulation changes) for its previously announced changes to the employer-sponsored permanent residence programme. From that date, all Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) (subclass 482) visa holders will be able to access permanent residence via the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream of the Employer Nominated Scheme (ENS) (subclass 186) visa. V.5098

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Home affairs boss Pezzullo sacked after leaked texts

Mike Pezzullo has been sacked as head of the home affairs department after a code of conduct breach finding. Mr Pezzullo was stood down after leaked messages revealed the secretary repeatedly inserted himself into the political process. The governor-general in council terminated his appointment on Monday. The texts revealed he lobbied for his department and pushed his personal views, in breach of public service standards, across a five-year period. It is not suggested the messages show corrupt or illegal conduct. Home Affairs Minister Clare O`Neil referred the matter to the Australian Public Service Commissioner after concerns were raised following media reporting of the messages. V.5099

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Home affairs boss Pezzullo sacked after leaked texts

Mike Pezzullo has been sacked as head of the home affairs department after a code of conduct breach finding. Mr Pezzullo was stood down after leaked messages revealed the secretary repeatedly inserted himself into the political process. The governor-general in council terminated his appointment on Monday. The texts revealed he lobbied for his department and pushed his personal views, in breach of public service standards, across a five-year period. It is not suggested the messages show corrupt or illegal conduct. V.5097

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India Provides Enhanced Online Visa Access to Citizens of South Africa, Switzerland, New Zealand, and Bulgaria

India, a country renowned for its diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage, is pleased to announce that citizens of South Africa, New Zealand, Switzerland, and Bulgaria can now enter the nation without a visa. This progressive step demonstrates India`s commitment to forging international connections, boosting tourism, and expediting the visa application process for travelers from these nations. Indian history, culture, and scenic landscape have long drawn travelers from all over the world. Travelers from these countries are invited to experience India`s famous sites, varied customs, and stunning scenery thanks to the increased visa access. V.5096

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Sham doctor case leads police to fake identity syndicate within home affairs

The NPA is waitng on Interpol results on Kingsley Chele`s identity verification. More than 370 fraudulent documents issued by public servants An investigation into the two identity documents belonging to bogus doctor Kingsley Leeto Chele led to police cracking an alleged syndicate involving home affairs officials who are accused of selling documents to illegal immigrants. A source close to the investigations has revealed how the syndicate had issued over 370 fraudulent documents and had been charging more than R2,000 per applicant. V.5092

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How much does a tourist visa cost for the UK, USA, Australia, and most Schengen Zone countries?

The visa application process in South Africa includes a load of paperwork, appointments made way in advance and a heavy fee. Getty Images • South Africa has one of the world`s `weakest` passports. • This means we often need to buy pricey visas to visit foreign countries. • Here`s how much you`ll pay for several popular tourist visas and how long they take to process. V.5093

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Cape Town woman allowed to emigrate with her two children to live in Dubai with US fiancé

relocate to Dubai with her children where they will be living with her American fiancé. The woman was married and got divorced from the father of her children in January 2016. The children were eight and three when their parents divorced. At the time of the divorce, both parties lived in Durban. In March 2019, the woman relocated with the children to Cape Town. The father would visit the children and sometimes they would visit him. In 2020, she started dating GJ, an American citizen. She said for almost two years, they have been living together with GJ as a family. V.5094

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Reverse emigration twist for South Africa

Although many wealthy South Africans are packing their bags for the UK, new migration data shows that the inverse is also true. The latest Wealth Migration Report 2023 from Henley & Partners and New World Wealth shows that around 400 High Net-Worth Individuals (HNWIs) those with a net worth of over US$1 million (roughly R18 million) emigrated out of South Africa in 2022 with a further 500 leaving the country in 2023. The UK is an emigration hotspot for South Africans with the 2021 UK census noting that over 215,000 South Africans live on the island. V.5095

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South Africa Mulls Major Immigration Overhaul

Migration may be an increasingly contentious issue in South Africa, but that does not justify taking an axe to refugee rights and chipping away at the country’s commitments under the United Nations’ 1951 Refugee Convention, as the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) recently proposed alongside other immigration reforms. V.5088

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Stuck, Spouse Visa, Marriage or Life partner application,Legal Action Your Life Partner / Spouse visa stuck in DHA System , we can help you

Currently there are 35,000 Spouse Visas stuck in DHA system for many reasons The reasons for the delays are causing people many problems Relative visas (any category) and Sec 11(6) my experience is that DHA taking anything from 18-24 months to process these applications. The delay is creating the following challenges to people : - with Sec 11(6) employers do not want foreigner to commence work without valid visas and cannot wait so long. Often this results in offer / contract revoked. This delay therefore affects SA companies as well. V.5089

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The Procedural Flaw in the Asylum Seeker Application Process

Although South Africa has one of the most progressive asylum laws and exceptional refugee protection frameworks in the world, the disunion between law and practice has allowed the blatant disregard of the law to thrive. The safety and security of the refugees who come to South Africa in the hopes of escaping the injustices of their homeland is internationally regulated by The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (“UDHR, 1948”) which is the foundation of international human rights, and, more directly, by the 1951 Refugee Convention (1951 convention) and its 1967 Protocol. V.5090

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Foreign firms race to open Saudi offices before deadline

A wave of ribbon-cutting ceremonies is sweeping the Saudi capital as multinationals face a January deadline to open regional headquarters in the Gulf kingdom or lose out on government contracts. In what has become a common scene, executives in suits and Saudi officials in white robes gather to inaugurate the new offices, sipping Arabic coffee in a haze of incense smoke while singing the praises of last year`s fastest-growing G20 economy. V.5091

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Foreign firms race to open Saudi offices before deadline

A wave of ribbon-cutting ceremonies is sweeping the Saudi capital as multinationals face a January deadline to open regional headquarters in the Gulf kingdom or lose out on government contracts. In what has become a common scene, executives in suits and Saudi officials in white robes gather to inaugurate the new offices, sipping Arabic coffee in a haze of incense smoke while singing the praises of last year`s fastest-growing G20 economy. V.5083

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South Africa visa chaos - the good news and the bad news

Home Affairs minister Aaron Motsoaledi caused some confusion this week by claiming that his department was not exacerbating South Africa’s skills crisis because there was no backlog of visas. This comment came just a few weeks after the minister told parliament that the department was sitting with a backlog of over 74,000 visa applications that would only be cleared up by mid-2024. V.5082

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Visa chaos: How good policy can falter in execution

Business has a clear incentive to find a solution, writes BLSA CEO. A lack of critical skills is holding back the South African economy, and we are not solving the problem as fast as we should be. There is a backlog of 74 000 applications for all kinds of visas at the Department of Home Affairs according to an official quoted by Bloomberg last month, many of those in the scarce skills category. This despite concerted efforts by government, led by the Operation Vulindlela programme, to drive implementation of policy that will substantially improve access to scarce skills visas. V.5074

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Motsoaledi denies work-permit crisis

Says his department is a scapegoat. South Africa’s minister of Home Affairs dismissed criticism that his department is causing a skills crisis in the country by failing to process work-permit applications and said it’s becoming a “scapegoat” for the failures of business. Aaron Motsoaledi said there’s no backlog of critical-skills applications and said his department is working expeditiously to process requests in the pipeline. A report published earlier this year, commissioned by the South African presidency, said the lengthy delays in processing work visas are hampering growth and deterring investment. It said a lack of skills is the second-biggest threat to the economy after an energy crisis that sees the imposition of power cuts on an almost daily basis. V.5075

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Motsoaledi advocates for review and temporary withdrawal from two international agreements on refugee protection

CITIZENSHIP WHITE PAPER Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi announced the publication of the White Paper on Citizenship, Immigration and Refugee Protection for public comment on Sunday. He called for South Africa to ‘press the reset button’ when it came to international agreements on refugee protection. When Minister of Home Affairs Aaron Motsoaledi announced the publication of the White Paper on Citizenship, Immigration and Refugee Protection for public comment on Sunday, he called for a complete overhaul of the migration system in South Africa. He further advocated for the country’s temporary withdrawal from international agreements on refugee protection. V.5076

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Private security and the power to arrest people during protests what the law says

he Criminal Procedure Act grants civilians the power to effect arrests, and private security personnel are categorised as civilians. However, such actions must strictly adhere to the law to avoid crossing into the realm of kidnapping. Protests are spiking across the country as political campaigns start mobilising votes for the 2024 general elections. Activists are continuing the fight against complicity in human rights violations, whether perpetrated by public or private institutions. In this context, a grey line has emerged between lawful arrests and what amounts to illegal kidnappings of activists on the ground. V.5077

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Private security and the power to arrest people during protests, what the law says

he Criminal Procedure Act grants civilians the power to effect arrests, and private security personnel are categorised as civilians. However, such actions must strictly adhere to the law to avoid crossing into the realm of kidnapping. Protests are spiking across the country as political campaigns start mobilising votes for the 2024 general elections. Activists are continuing the fight against complicity in human rights violations, whether perpetrated by public or private institutions. In this context, a grey line has emerged between lawful arrests and what amounts to illegal kidnappings of activists on the ground. V.5078

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South Africa’s new critical skills list, Home Affairs shrugs off cuts

The Department of Home Affairs has published South Africa’s new draft white paper on citizenship, immigration, and refugee protection for public comment, proposing a complete overhaul of the country’s migration system. Among the many changes in the lineup, the whitepaper briefly makes mention of South Africa’s critical skills list and justifies amendments made to the list in 2022, which trimmed down the number of positions advertised as critical. The critical skills list was updated for the first time since 2014 in February 2022, sparking controversy in the medical field as most of the jobs cut from the list came from that sector. V.5079

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Turkey Visa Online For Canada, Bahrain And South Africa Citizen

Turkey has emerged as a prominent tourist destination in recent years due to its diverse range of landscapes, vistas, and activities that ensure a memorable stay. As a result, an increasing number of Canadians are considering trips to Turkey. The implementation of the e-Visa system in 2013 has significantly simplified the visa application process for visitors from Canada. The requirements for obtaining a Turkey e-Visa for Canadian citizens are straightforward. Canada is among the countries whose citizens are eligible to apply for a Turkish electronic visa, commonly referred to as an e-Visa V.5080

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SA embassy in Portugal - gripped by tech challenges - decided against handwritten visas

Department of International Relations and Cooperation head of public diplomacy Clayson Monyela said the embassy in Germany had a functional visa system, email, telephone, and printers. • South Africa`s embassies across the world are struggling with bandwidth and other ICT challenges. • The Department of International Relations and Cooperation has upgraded several systems, but in some cases, challenges still need to be solved. • The department`s Clayson Monyela says visas are issued manually when systems are down. V.5072

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China is having a hard time wooing foreign investors back

Direct investment liabilities in the country’s balance of payments have been slowing in the last two years. China is struggling in its attempt to lure foreigners back as data shows more direct investment flowing out of the country than coming in, suggesting companies may be diversifying their supply chains to reduce risks. Direct investment liabilities in the country’s balance of payments have been slowing in the last two years. After hitting a near-peak value of more than $101 billion in the first quarter of 2022, the gauge has weakened nearly every quarter since. It fell $11.8 billion in the July-to-September period, marking the first contraction since records started in 1998. V.5073

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Massive visa backlog in South Africa, Home Affairs says it has a plan

Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi has laid out his department’s plan to tackle the massive visa backlog, saying that it should be cleared by the middle of next year. At last reporting, the department’s backlog of visa applications waiting to be processed was sitting above 70,000, with alarm bells blaring from businesses and other sectors over the monumental damage these delays were causing the country. V.5066

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South African parliamentary delegates briefed on biometric ID card, passport issuance reforms

South Africa’s Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi has told delegates of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), the country’s upper chamber of parliament, of the reforms his department his championing to simplify how citizens apply for and obtain ID credentials such as biometric national ID cards and passports. In a recent question-and-answer session with special delegates of the Peace and Security Cluster 1C of the NCOP, Motsoaledi said digital self-service kiosks installed at some Home Affairs offices to facilitate ID issuance were indeed helping to reduce wait time, according to information published on the parliament website. V.5067

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Let our people be employed in our country - ANC leaders tout foreign hiring restrictions

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi is leading the ANC`s push to restrict the employment of foreign nationals in the province. Melinda Stuurman • The Gauteng premier is leading the ANC`s push to restrict the employment of foreign nationals in the province as the youth unemployment crisis seems to have defeated the ANC. • Panyaza Lesufi and ANC provincial secretary TK Nciza said the time had come for local citizens to be given priority in employment by private businesses. • Immigration experts have warned against this political rhetoric, saying it was dangerous and was only used as an excuse to mask the failures of the ANC governance. V.5068

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Fake marriages a growing concern for Home Affairs as R300 a month gets illegal immigrants SA wives

FOR JUST R300 a month, and if you are connected to a woman by the name of Priscilla, you can easily get yourself a foreign national husband. A recent SABC report revealed that a woman identified as Rebone Shabir accused Priscilla of being involved in setting up Limpopo women with Pakistanis as husbands. The SABC reported that several women from Limpopo also stepped forward following their expose of the pre-arranged marriages with spaza shop owners and other foreigners. V.5069

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Africa Unite calls for protection of foreign nationals in SA communities

The human rights advocacy group has called for the protection and proper integration of foreign nationals in South African communities. This follows the fatal shooting of two Somali nationals in Philippi earlier in the week. CAPE TOWN - Human rights advocacy group, Africa Unite has called for the protection and proper integration of foreign nationals in South African communities. This follows the fatal shooting of two Somali nationals in Philippi earlier in the week. Africa Unite spokesperson Lelethu Nogwavu strongly condemned the targeting of foreign nationals, particularly small business owners. V.5070

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The American nightmare for South African emigrants

Although getting a green card may be a huge positive for South African emigrants, bad planning could put them in an unwanted tax position. According to Investec, in most cases, a green card means that the holder is a US tax resident (for US federal income tax purposes), meaning they must pay tax in the US on all their worldwide income and gains. However, suppose the emigrant does not end their SA tax resident status by changing their “ordinarily resident” status or meeting the physical presence test. In that case, they will also be held liable for tax on a worldwide basis in South Africa. V.5071

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Massive visa backlog in South Africa �` Home Affairs says it has a plan

Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi has laid out his department’s plan to tackle the massive visa backlog, saying that it should be cleared by the middle of next year. At last reporting, the department’s backlog of visa applications waiting to be processed was sitting above 70,000, with alarm bells blaring from businesses and other sectors over the monumental damage these delays were causing the country. South Africa is sitting with a major skills shortage, and businesses have been beside themselves trying to draw much-needed skills to the country, with efforts blocked and upended by the failures at Home V.5063

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Here is your hand-written visa. Welcome to SA`s embassy in Germany, hamstrung by faulty equipment

• Staff at South Africa’s embassy in Berlin, Germany are issuing handwritten visas due to faulty printers. • Officials also have to use private wifi routers to connect to the internet. • In June, the Portfolio Committee on International Relations and Cooperation conducted a fact-finding oversight visit to embassies in Germany and Portugal. Diplomatic staff at South Africa’s mission in Germany, the country`s third largest trading partner, are issuing handwritten visas because printers are faulty, telephones lines are not working, and officials use private routers to connect to wifi. In June, the Portfolio Committee on International Relations and Cooperation conducted a fact-finding oversight visit on the status of the vacant state-owned properties under the management of South Africa’s embassies in Germany and Portugal. V.5064

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Home affairs building capacity to deport illegal immigrants: Ntshavheni

Between April and August this year the state recorded 7,351 cases in which the accused were convicted for contraventions of the Immigration Act. Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni says the home affairs department is building capacity to address the deportation of illegal immigrants. “Home affairs has acquired 10 buses to do the deportations, especially for those from neighbouring countries, but the limitation has been enabling legislation that empowers home affairs to do that,” she said. Ntshavheni spoke at a briefing by ministers in the justice, crime prevention and security (JCPS) cluster on Friday. V.5065

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Human rights groups sound alarm at govt`s proposal to audit foreign-owned spaza shops

Minister Khumbudzo Ntshavheni says the government is concerned about the rise in food poisoning incidents. • The government wants to audit how many foreign-owned shops are operational in the country. • It wants to allow traditional leaders to keep a register of foreign nationals present in communities. • Lawyers for Human Rights warned the proposal was dangerous because it could fuel xenophobia. V.5060

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Home Affairs interdicted against deportation of foreigner mother

The High Court in Johannesburg has interdicted the Home Affairs Department from deporting th November 2023e mother (“TRS”), who is illegally in South Africa after her spousal visa from a previous marriage expired . A mother’s bid to permanently relocate to Israel with her two children, with whom she shares joint custody with their father, has been put on hold while a court battle ensues around her looming deportation. The High Court in Johannesburg has interdicted the Home Affairs Department from deporting the mother (“TRS”), who is illegally in South Africa after her spousal visa from a previous marriage expired . V.5062

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SA risks losing business investment over visa `chaos`

• In SA, a shortage of skilled workers is restraining growth, limiting job creation and pushing some foreign investors to think about moving their money elsewhere. • One business organisation have warned that delays in SA visa applications threaten expansion plans, investment and job in the country. • Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi said in September that his department was understaffed and the visa regime was overly complicated. He also acknowledged that 74 000 people were waiting for residence permits of some kind. V.5059

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It’s time we deal decisively with the legal practitioners of Stalingrad tactics

Finally, the Constitutional Court has awoken from its slumbers and dealt properly with legal representatives who abuse the court process and are deserving of an adverse costs ruling against them. Affairs and others v Lawyers for Human Rights the Constitutional Court, it was held that the Director-General of Home Affairs pay 25% of applicable costs in his personal capacity and that the fees of the minister’s former legal representatives should be disallowed. Leave aside the extraordinary behaviour of the DG who appears to have kept his own minister in the dark. This column is about lawyers. V.5056

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High Court declares sections of Refugees Act unconstitutional

The Western Cape High Court declared sections of the Refugees Act unconstitutional. Masixole Feni • Western Cape High Court Deputy Judge President Patricia Goliath has declared sections of the Refugees Act unconstitutional. • According to the act, asylum seekers who do not renew their visas within one month of the date of expiry are considered to have abandoned their asylum applications. • The judge said that the essence of the minister of home affairs’ argument was that most asylum seekers are not genuine and use the process to “avoid meeting the requirements of immigration laws”. V.5058

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Amid reports of repression, international election observers head to DRC ahead of December elections

• Election experts from Mali, France, Spain and Switzerland are now in the DRC. • There are reports of intimidation against opposition politicians ahead of elections due in December. • Official campaigning is due to start on 19 November. A five-person core team of experts from France, Mali, Spain and Switzerland is now in Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), as the advance party for The Carter Center`s Election Observer Mission. V.5055

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Medium-term budget in a nutshell: It’s going to hurt

• A large public sector wage hike, disappointing tax revenue and rocketing borrowing costs have hit government finances. • This will necessitate large budget cuts and shrinking the state, Treasury said in its latest Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement. • South Africans can also expect a R15 billion tax increase in February next year. V.5054

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Nigeria’s record currency slide continues as dollars dry up

nflation-stoking collapse in naira reaches new extremes Inflation in Nigeria last month soared to 26.7 per cent, the highest level in two decades Nigeria’s currency has tumbled to record lows against the US dollar, putting further pressure on new president Bola Tinubu as he tries to reform Africa’s largest economy. Tinubu took the reins in May, pledging to break with the policies of his predecessors and attract foreign investment to Nigeria. Allowing the naira to float more freely against the dollar was part of that agenda. V.5050

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A deplorable state of affairs`: ConCourt slams Motsoaledi, MPs for stalling Immigration Act amendments

• Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi and his director-general incurred personal costs for failing to amend parts of the Immigration Act. • The court issued the first order in 2017 which it suspended for two years to allow Parliament time to make the necessary corrections, to no avail. • The court also slammed the MPs, who blamed the delays on Covid-19, elections and the Parliament fire. The Constitutional Court slammed MPs, the Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi, and the department`s director-general (DG) Livhuwani Makhode for failing to amend sections of the Immigration Act, six years after a court ordered it. The apex court ruled on the matter between the DG, the minister and Lawyers for Human Rights (LHR) on Monday. V.5051

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Fighting in the DRC will prevent more than a million from voting in election - rights group

• The International Crisis Group says more than a million people will fail to vote in the DRC because of conflict in the east. • The Independent National Electoral Commission`s credibility is in question. • The African Union and international actors were urged to work closely to help the DRC hold credible elections. More than a million people have been disenfranchised in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) some two months before the general elections, the International Crisis Group (ICG) claims. This was due to fighting mostly in the eastern part of the country, in North Kivu and surrounding areas, where rebel groups are concentrated, the rights group said. V.5052

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`A deplorable state of affairs`: ConCourt slams Motsoaledi, MPs for stalling Immigration Act amendments

• Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi and his director-general incurred personal costs for failing to amend parts of the Immigration Act. • The court issued the first order in 2017 which it suspended for two years to allow Parliament time to make the necessary corrections, to no avail. • The court also slammed the MPs, who blamed the delays on Covid-19, elections and the Parliament fire. V.5053

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De Lille wants visa waiver for Chinese & Indian nationals to boost tourism

-Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille wants visa requirements for Chinese and Indian nationals to be eased or waived -The government has identified the development of the tourism industry as key to reducing SA`s unemployment rate. -De Lille is also working to on plans to ensure visitors remain safe following a series of high-profile attacks. V.5047

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Fighting in the DRC will prevent more than a million from voting in election - rights group

-The International Crisis Group says more than a million people will fail to vote in the DRC because of conflict in the east. -The Independent National Electoral Commission`s credibility is in question. -The African Union and international actors were urged to work closely to help the DRC hold credible elections. V.5048

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Home Affairs Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi slapped with a 10% personal cost order

Home Affairs Minister Doctor Aaron Motsoaledi has been slapped with a 10% personal cost order after the Constitutional Court gave Parliament 12 months to remedy the defects in parts of the Immigration Act to the extent that it did not allow migrants detained for the purposes of deportation access to the courts for a period up to 30 days. V.5049

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Children born to FOREIGN parents can qualify for SA citizenship

In a ruling by the Constitutional Court that came into effect recently, children born to foreign parents can qualify for SA citizenship. Children born to FOREIGN parents can qualify for SA citizenship.. Broadly speaking, there are three ways someone can qualify for SA citizenship. They are by birth, descent and naturalisation. This is according to the amended South African Citizenship that came into operation on 1 April 2003. Now, latest findings by the Constitutional Court have ruled that children born in SA to foreign parents are eligible to apply and qualify for SA citizenship. If you were unaware of this, it follows the ruling in favor of Ali, Salih, Nkoloko, Masuki and Nganga. Each were born in SA to foreign parents and now qualify for SA citizenship when they are no longer minors. V.5040

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Who QUALIFIES for permanent residence in South Africa?

When do you qualify for permanent residence in South Africa? Provided certain requirements are met, here’s who can live permanently in SA. Who qualifies for permanent residence in South Africa? Picture: File. Since our story on applying for a Smart ID card, we’ve received plenty of requests for information on permanent residence in South Africa. So, we consulted experts from to gain more insight. The key to living permanently in South Africa is being able to prove you can contribute towards the country’s economic base. XPatWeb says it’s vital to understand the nuances of the procedure before applying for permanent residence in South Africa. V.5041

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A practical approach to attracting Chinese travellers

I was intrigued to read the piece in Tourism Update reporting the views of Marcus Lee, and the subsequent comments by readers. The headline was Change is needed for SA to attract more Chinese visitors but it is just as relevant to other Southern African countries. A topic dear to my heart, for two reasons. Firstly, I help out at Self Drive Tours Botswana at busy times. My wife is one of the directors. Chinese travellers tend to be well educated, engaging, and intensely interested in all manner of things. We would love to have more of them. V.5042

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Visas and air access take centre stage for BRICS ministers

Visas and air access were among the key areas up for discussion at the BRICS Tourism Ministers’ Meeting held in Cape Town this week, with direct flights between South Africa and its BRICS partners at various stages of implementation. Briefing the media after the meeting, Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille said: We need to work together as BRICS nations to increase air access and ease visa regimes to ensure seamless travel between our countries.” The post-meeting communiqué issued by all participants also highlighted “the need to raise awareness among BRICS countries to the importance of developing routes for better tourism mobility and connectivity amongst the member countries”. Arrivals to South Africa from Brazil, India and China have still not reached pre-pandemic levels but they have shown significant growth over the past year. Russia has recorded growth from pre-pandemic levels. V.5043

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How online payments are helping visitors rediscover SA

According to recent data from the South African Minister of Tourism, Patricia de Lille, more than 5.8 million people visited the country last year and more are expected in the coming years. Travel has rebounded healthily from the pandemic and is expected to keep growing by an estimated 7.6% annually. Growth like this has been fuelled, in part by the combination of South Africa’s weak currency, when compared with many countries in the global north, and the ease that online payments give travellers. The convenience of online payments has not only simplified the booking process but has also instilled new-found confidence in travellers as they embark on their adventures. V.5044

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Motsoaledi calls for audit of foreign-owned spaza shops

Municipalities across the country are being urged to carry out audits on spaza shops owned by foreign nationals. Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi has made the call. There are renewed concerns over the safety of goods sold at such outlets after the recent deaths of several children in Gauteng and the Free State. The children fell sick after allegedly consuming products bought from their local spaza shops. Last month, a shop owner was arrested in eThekwini for selling expired goods. In Clare Estate, two spaza shops were closed down, and others were fined for improper use of premises. V.5045

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The system is offline: Home Affairs offices lost 36 000 hours of work in first half of 2023

• Home Affairs departments were non-operational for more 36 000 hours in the first half of 2023. • South Africans are not informed when the system is down, which means people travel long distances to get to branches only to be turned away empty handed. • The State Information Technology Agency has invested R400 million to modernise and upgrade the networks. Offline systems are bringing the Department of Home Affairs to its knees as offices across the country lost more than 36 000 hours of work in the first half of 2023, primarily due to system downtime. Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi revealed this in his response to two sets of parliamentary questions from the DA`s home affairs spokesperson, Adrian Roos. He said his department`s offices were not operational for a collective 36 772 hours from January to May this year. V.5046

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The system is down, IT downtime hurting Home Affairs more than load-shedding

System downtime contributes more lost operating hours at Home Affairs offices than load-shedding. This is according to home affairs minister Aaron Motsoaledi, who was responding to parliamentary questions from Democratic Alliance MP Adrian Roos. DHA’s offices could not operate for 15,289 hours during the first quarter of the 2023/24 financial year April to June 2023. Of this, 8,672 hours (57%) were lost to system downtime, while DHA offices could not operate for 6,242 hours (41%) due to load-shedding. Over the same period, protest action contributed 46 lost hours (0.3%), and offices had to shut down for 329 hours (2%) due to water outages. Motsoaledi also provided uptime figures for the DHA’s civic services system. V.5038

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Bangladeshis bust after `kidnapping fellow countryman for ransom`

The hostage was rescued by the provincial kidnapping task team. Western Cape police arrested four Bangladeshi men for allegedly kidnapping a fellow countryman for ransom. The 19-year-old man was abducted in Touws River on Monday. Provincial police spokesperson Brig Novela Potelwa said he was rescued on Wednesday. “Following the kidnapping of a 19-year-old Bangladeshi on Monday in Touws River where, after a ransom was demanded, members of the Western Cape multidisciplinary kidnapping task team sprang into action in pursuit of vital information and descended on a location in the area where they rescued the hostage on Wednesday ,” said Potelwa. V.5039

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Emigrating? Key questions for your international moving company

According to a Statista survey last year, about 14% of South Africa’s working population of 15.6 million, or just more than two million people, indicated they were seriously considering emigrating. The relocation costs alone are high, which means it is well worth taking the time to vet your choice of relocation specialists. Ian Pettey, managing director Africa at Crown Relocations, says that to relocate the contents of a two-bedroom house you would need a 20-foot container. “The relocation costs to the UK would be about R120,000, and that goes up to R200,000 to go to Australia. A three-bedroom house would equate to a 40-foot container, with a relocation cost of R180,000 to the UK and R320,000 to Australia,” he says. Pettey suggests asking the international removal company the following before you sign a contract: V.5037

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KZN woman failed by Department of Home Affairs, awaits passport for over a year

A KwaZulu-Natal woman based in Krugersdorp, Elizabeth Boikanyo (54) has been battling to apply for a passport with the Department of Home Affairs for over a year now. Boikanyo who is a first-time applicant and married to a North West farmer based in Krugersdorp, has been left frustrated by the process as she has received no feedback regarding the status of her application. “I have been trying to apply for a passport with the Krugersdorp Home Affairs branch for over a year now. Ever since my application (in 2021), I’ve been told I am being verified,” she said. V.5035

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30 foreign nationals rescued in Edenvale in suspected human trafficking case

The JMPD rescued 30 foreign nationals from a house in Edenvale in a suspected human trafficking case. JOHANNESBURG - Police investigations are underway to determine how 30 Ethiopian men were trafficked into the country without detection. On Sunday, the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) rescued 27 human trafficking victims who were kept in a house in Edenvale. The JMPD’s spokesperson, Xolani Fihla, said three of the men ran away when police raided the house. Fihla said it was still unclear who smuggled the men into the country and for what purpose. V.5036

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Motsoaledi appeals high court ruling on ZEP ‘without any delay’

Home affairs minister Aaron Motsoaledi will challenge a Pretoria high court ruling that saw him lose an application relating to the Zimbabwe Exemption Permits (ZEPs). The high court ruled on Monday that the department’s application for leave to appeal had no reasonable prospects of success. This after the department’s director-general Tommy Makhode deposed to an affidavit five weeks ago challenging a judgement that had favoured the Helen Suzman Foundation and Consortium for Refugees and Migrants in SA. According to SowetanLIVE’s sister publication TimesLIVE, Motsoaledi was appealing against the judgment that required him to go back to the drawing board on the ZEPs. In a media statement issued on Tuesday evening, Motsoaledi’s spokesperson Thabo Mokgola said the minister was appealing the matter at the Supreme Court of Appeal. V.5034

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Main reason for rejection of Schengen visa lies in stay documents: Anitta Hipper of European Commission

In an exclusive interview, Anitta Hipper, Spokesperson for the European Commission (home affairs) elaborates upon the reasons for delays, what the European Commission is doing to resolve the issue and the much-awaited digitisation of the Schengen visa Since the resumption of international travel post Covid-19, long wait to get a visa appointment & delay in processing of Schengen visas has irked travellers worldwide Since the resumption of international travel post Covid-19, long wait to get a visa appointment & delay in processing of Schengen visas has irked travellers worldwide. In an exclusive interview, Anitta Hipper, Spokesperson for the European Commission (home affairs) elaborates upon the reasons for delays, what the European Commission is doing to resolve the issue and the much-awaited digitisation of the Schengen visa which will be issued in digital format, as a 2D barcode, cryptographically signed. V.5030

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Press Statement on the full judgment on the application for leave to appeal, ZEP

1. The Minister of Home Affairs (“Minister”) has considered the Full Court judgment (Gauteng Division, Pretoria) on the application for leave to appeal in the Helen Suzman Foundation (“HSF”) v Minister of Home Affairs (“Minister”) and Another (ZEP matter) dismissing the application for leave to appeal lodged by him. 2. The Minister has also taken legal advice on the judgment. The Minister has decided to exhaust the legal remedies available to him. To this end, he has already instructed his legal representatives to lodge an application for leave to appeal to the Supreme Court of Appeal (“SCA”) without any delay. 3. The Minister believes that the matter is of such great public importance to deserve the attention of a higher court. V.5031

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Another country to allow visa-free entry for South Africans

Ghana becomes the next country to open up visa-free entry for South African passport holders for periods of 90 days. Ghana opens up to South African nationals. Image: Unsplash Ghana is another country that will open its doors to South African passport holders by allowing visa-free entry. South African passport holders have seen increasing mobility in recent months. This is due to a rising number of countries relaxing entry restrictions, or allowing easier entry for SA nationals, by virtue of e-visas. VISA WAIVER FOR SOUTH AFRICA BBC reports that the governments of Ghana and South Africa have signed a visa waiver agreement. V.5032

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Labour DG quits: `Dominoes start falling` in wake of R5bn UIF scandal

• Department of Employment and Labour director-general Thobile Lamati has resigned. • His resignation follows a R5 billion scandal at the UIF which was stopped in its tracks. • It also follows calls from business and labour for intervention in the UIF`s `chaotic` administration. The director-general of the Department of Labour and Employment, Thobile Lamati, has resigned. His resignation follows reports of backing a controversial project to channel billions from the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) into a private investment company, as part of a job creation scheme. Lamati conveyed the news to his top management in a WhatsApp message earlier today. V.5033

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South Africa set to topple Nigeria to become Africa`s biggest economy again

South Africa is set to briefly overtake Nigeria and Egypt as the continent’s largest economy next year, International Monetary Fund forecasts show. The IMF’s World Economic Outlook envisions South Africa’s gross domestic product reaching $401 billion based on current prices in 2024, compared with Nigeria’s $395 billion and Egypt’s $358 billion. South Africa is expected to only hold the top spot for a year before it once again lags Nigeria, and then fall to third place behind Egypt in 2026, according to the report, which was released last week. V.5029

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Motsoaledi fails in bid for leave to appeal ZEP ruling

The Gauteng High Court in Pretoria has dismissed Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi`s application for leave to appeal a ruling on his decision to terminate Zimbabwean Exemption Permits. The Gauteng High Court in Pretoria dismissed Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi`s application for leave to appeal its ZEP ruling. • The court ruled in June that Motsoaledi`s failure to consult with ZEP holders, interested NGOs and the public was `unlawful, unconstitutional, and invalid`. • The court dismissed his application with costs. The Gauteng High Court in Pretoria has dismissed Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi`s application for leave to appeal against a ruling on his decision to terminate Zimbabwean Exemption Permits (ZEPs). V.5027

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Govt worker strike to hit IT at Home Affairs, Sassa

• State Information Technology Agency employees, as part of the Public Servants` Association of South Africa, are planning a nationwide shutdown on 18 October after salary negotiations reached a deadlock. • The shutdown is aimed to create `inconvenience` for government departments, which will be without technical support, and impact government services, including hospitals and grant payments. • The PSA said workers will not return to work unless their demands of above-inflation salary increases are met. Government services, including hospitals, Home Affairs and grant payments across the country could be without technical support on Wednesday as thousands of State Information Technology Agency (SITA) employees down tools. V.5028

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South Africa`s 9 most popular intercity routes, and how much a drive will cost you

• South Africans are migrants by nature. • There are times each year when the amount of people travelling between provinces increases. • Here are the most popular routes - and the average cost for private rides along these routes. South Africa`s population is used to migrating across provinces - for several reasons. The pursuit of economic and job prospects tops the list of reasons, followed by visits to family who have remained in the cities, towns and rural areas they originally came from. Each year, inDrive South Africa sees an increase in intercity car trips with its `city to city` service. V.5025

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South Africa ignores Nigeria, grants Ghanaian passport holders free visa passage

This development signifies a strengthening of ties and a new phase of diplomatic relations between both African countries. South Africa has decided to grant Ghanaian passport holders 90-day visa exemption starting from November 1, effectively allowing them free entry to the country. This decision, announced by the South African High Commission in Ghana on Friday, follows an agreement between the governments of South Africa and Ghana, signifying a strengthening of ties and a new phase of diplomatic relations between both countries. V.5026

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Corrupt Home Affairs official went into the office during his leave to process fraudulent passports

A Department of Home Affairs official found guilty of fraud has been sentenced to an effective 10 years behind bars. Nhlanhla Mathebula, 39, was convicted of corruption and contravention of the Immigration Act in the Nelspruit Commercial Crimes Court this week. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said the accused was convicted on 12 counts of corruption in Contravention of Section 4(1)(a) of the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act 12 of 2004 and 13 counts of Contravention of Section 49(14) of the Immigration Act 13 of 2002. V.5016

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Warning about mass skills exodus from South Africa

Most South African university students want to leave the country because of crime, corruption, lack of job opportunities, failing infrastructure, and the rising cost of living. This was revealed in the annual 2022/23 Professional Provident Society (PPS) Student Confidence Index. The survey involved 2,400 undergraduates and postgraduates studying towards a profession-specific degree at public and private universities. The students studied valuable skills, including engineering, medicine, law, accounting, business management, and psychology. The survey found that 90% of the university students desired to work and live abroad to gain experience. V.5017

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Court hears Interpol in contact with 195 countries to identify mystery passport man

Interpol are in contact with their 195 member countries as they try to help gardaí to identify an elderly man who has been charged with allegedly using passports in the names of two babies born in the 1950’s who died just months after their birth. Det Garda Padraig Hanley, of the Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, told Cork District Court that investigations are still ongoing in multiple jurisdictions as they attempt to identify the man who has been in custody since last month. V.5018

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SCRA Approval for Indefinite Refugee Status, We make things happen

Contact us How can we help you , please email us to info@samigration.com whatsapp message me on: +27 82 373 8415, where are you now? check our website : www.samigration.com Please rate us by clinking on this links : Sa Migration Visas https://g.page/SAMigration?gm Alternatively , please contact us on : Whatsapp Tel No : +27 (0) 82 373 8415 - ( Whatsapp messages only, No calls ) Tel No office : +27 (0) 82 373 8415 ( Whatsapp messages only, No calls ) Tel No landline CT : +27 (0) 21 879 5560 Tel No landline JHB : +27 (0) 12 880 1490 Tel No admin : +27 (0) 64 126 3073 ( Whatsapp calls only No Messages ) Tel No sales : +27 (0) 74 0366127 ( Whatsapp calls only No Messages ) V.5019

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Big win for visas in South Africa

South African corporations could soon have some respite as the Department of Home Affairs has taken a massive step in its attempt to make hiring foreigners easier. In the 2022 State of the Nation Address, President Cyril Ramaphosa said that South Africa would review its visa application system, which would make it easier for foreigners to travel to and work in the country, with the President’s task team Operation Vulindlela looking at ways to reduce red tape. Businesses have flagged the long delays and the complex application process in getting visas for foreign workers. V.5020

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How to choose the right golden visa for your family

If you’re seeking a citizenship- or residency-by-investment programme for your family in 2023, you’re spoilt for choice. Even with some programmes ending, there are still options in Europe, the USA, on Caribbean islands and even in sunny Mauritius. In fact, there are nearly too many options. How do you know which programmes will offer the right benefits for your family? V.5021

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Smart ID nightmare almost over for Naturalised Citizens and South Africans born abroad

The DA welcomes the confirmation that Minister of Home Affairs, Aaron Motsoaledi, has finally acceded to the DA’s repeated calls for South Africans born abroad and Naturalised Citizens to be able to receive Smart IDs. Home Affairs Director General (DG) Tommy Makhode confirmed to the DA In a parliamentary portfolio meeting yesterday that he had been instructed to implement this with ‘immediate effect’. The DG indicated that system modifications were underway to facilitate this and bring a resolution to this matter which the DA has raised, to quote the DG, “over and over and over again”. V.5022

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Digital nomad visas are on the rise in Africa, but South Africa is far behind

Namibia is the latest of four African countries to offer digital nomad visas to remote workers. Mauritius, Cape Verde and the Seychelles also all have visa programmes targeting digital nomads, yet South Africa still lags behind. A digital nomad visa allows someone to live in a country that is not their homeland while working remotely for a company based outside the one they live in. Governments that issue digital nomad visas never refer to them as such, choosing to call them residence permits or devising a special name for them. The permit generally expires after 12 months and the option to renew varies from country to country. V.5023

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Warning about mass skills exodus from South Africa

Most South African university students want to leave the country because of crime, corruption, lack of job opportunities, failing infrastructure, and the rising cost of living. This was revealed in the annual 2022/23 Professional Provident Society (PPS) Student Confidence Index. The survey involved 2,400 undergraduates and postgraduates studying towards a profession-specific degree at public and private universities. The students studied valuable skills, including engineering, medicine, law, accounting, business management, and psychology. The survey found that 90% of the university students desired to work and live abroad to gain experience. What was particularly worrying is that the percentage of students, particularly younger black students, who want to leave jumped from 39% to 90% in two years. It shows that the country faces a mass exodus of skills as young, qualified South Africans have an overwhelming desire to live and work abroad. V.5014

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Asylum Seekers & Refugees, Illegal Don’t Be caught up in this

If you have been in South Africa for 10 years as a Refugee did you know there is a path to permanent residence . Apply Now for Temporary Residence even with EXPIRED LOCKDOWN PERMITS The Constitutional Court handed down a judgement in the Ahmed matter as well as a Court Order opening the door for Asylum Seekers and Refugees to apply to change their status to temporary residence visa . Contact us now before this fantastic opportunity is lost . V.5012

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Nigeria’s Increase in Visa Fee Impacts Foreign Direct Investment - From $1,000 to $2,000:

Foreigners working in Nigeria pay the highest visa fees following an increase from $1000 to $2,000 This increase has been harming the country`s Foreign Direct investment in recent years Nigeria continues to struggle to attract FDI with its current forex crisis and other economic problems Foreign workers in Nigeria pay the highest visa fee of any immigrant worker in major African nations. This follows a 100% increase in work visa cost in 2018 for foreign nationals working in Nigeria who must now pay $2000 yearly (from $1,000) to remain in the country. As a result, BusinessDay reported that this has affected the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), causing it to worsen over time. V.5013

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Why immigration numbers don’t add up

Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil is announcing big changes to the visa system, but that won’t do much to deter surging net immigration numbers. Anthony Albanese says his government inherited a migration system that was “not fit for purpose”. That’s true. Just how Labor expects to fix the biggest issues in migration is still not clear after the release of its response to visa fraud and exploitation on Wednesday. According to Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil, she is getting on with the job of cleaning up the mess left by one particular ministerial predecessor Peter Dutton who she claims presided over a failing migration system that facilitated “some of the worst crimes in our society”. V.5008

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Navigating new UK Visa fees: Higher costs but opportunities abound, affirms JP Breytenbach

he UK has recently implemented significant changes in visa requirements and fees, including the possibility of a substantial increase in the immigration health surcharge (IHS). These changes are part of the efforts of the UK government to ease the burden on its National Health. The Director of Breytenbachs Immigration Consultants, JP Breytenbach, told BizNews that South Africans aspiring to apply for a UK visa should be prepared for higher costs and careful planning. While the changes may appear daunting, various immigration options remain available, especially for skilled workers. V.5009

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Angola opens up: Visa-free entry for THESE countries

Angola has announced the immediate visa-free entry for passport holders of ninety-eight countries. See them here. Angola opens up visa-free access for THESE nations. Image: Pexels Last week Angola passed a resolution to allow visa-free entry for 90-day stays to nationals from over 90 countries. The new resolution is contained in Presidential Decree Number 189/23 of 29 September 2023. ANGOLA VISAS Securing Angolan visas has often involved high costs and much patience since the process incurred much red tape. However, there has been a sudden change. Angola has now opened its borders to visitors from a large number of countries. V.5010

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Portugal: An official goodbye to golden visas

Portugal has now closed its golden visa scheme for real estate investors, which helped many foreigners move to the Western European country. Portugal terminates golden visas. Image: Lorne Philpot Portugal has put an end to its sought-after residence permit for real estate investment activities (also known as golden visas). The new law governing this comes into effect today, Saturday 7 October 2023. INVESTMENT SCHEMES V.5011

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Golden visas` are known to attract dirty money around the world. Why does Australia still offer them?

About 26,000 people have applied for a so-called 888 `golden visa` that grants residency to those investing between $5 and $15 million into Australia For the agency charged with securing our frontiers and safeguarding social harmony, it`s an annus horribilis like no other. Australia`s controversial Department of Home Affairs is in crisis. V.5061

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New laws to restrict the hiring of foreign workers in South Africa �` with R100,000 fines on the table

Following calls from the Gauteng government for quotas on businesses to hire local workers, legal firm Wright Rose-Innes has outlined the plans the national government is putting in place to do exactly that. This comes in the form of proposed amendments to the Employment Services Act, which, if signed into law, would see the employment and labour minister empowered to set limited on businesses as to the number of foreign workers they can hire. “Most employers will be forgiven if they claim not to have heard of the Employment Services Act 4 of 2014. This legislation is certainly not as well-known as the Labour Relations Act, the Basic Conditions of Employment Act or even the Employment Equity Act,” the firm said. “Yet, with major amendments proposed to the Employment Services Act in particular in respect of the employment of foreign nationals in South Africa, employers that make use of such employment should take note of the proposed amendments.” V.5005

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South Africa-Lesotho immigration model under review

Basotho visiting South Africa may be able to stay longer than the current 30 days per visit which is currently the South African law. This was announced by Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane following a Bi-National Commission between the two countries in Pretoria. Matekane welcomed discussions aimed at putting in place a South Africa-Lesotho-specific immigration model. V.5006

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Nigeria’s Increase in Visa Fee Impacts Foreign Direct Investment - From $1,000 to $2,000:

Foreigners working in Nigeria pay the highest visa fees following an increase from $1000 to $2,000 This increase has been harming the country`s Foreign Direct investment in recent years Nigeria continues to struggle to attract FDI with its current forex crisis and other economic problems Foreign workers in Nigeria pay the highest visa fee of any immigrant worker in major African nations. This follows a 100% increase in work visa cost in 2018 for foreign nationals working in Nigeria who must now pay $2000 yearly (from $1,000) to remain in the country. As a result, BusinessDay reported that this has affected the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), causing it to worsen over time. V.5007

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Let our people be employed in our country`: ANC leaders tout foreign hiring restrictions

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi is leading the ANC`s push to restrict the employment of foreign nationals in the province. • The Gauteng premier is leading the ANC`s push to restrict the employment of foreign nationals in the province as the youth unemployment crisis seems to have defeated the ANC. • Panyaza Lesufi and ANC provincial secretary TK Nciza said the time had come for local citizens to be given priority in employment by private businesses. • Immigration experts have warned against this political rhetoric, saying it was dangerous and was only used as an excuse to mask the failures of the ANC governance. V.5003

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Anger mounts over UIF chaos as business, labour call for crackdown

Thulas Nxesi, Minister of Labour and Employment, wants action against his director general for UIF investment dalliances. • Dysfunction and corruption are crippling the UIF, say Cosatu and BUSA. • The heads of the UIF and the Department of Labour are now on the chopping block. • A full audit of unlisted investments has been called for. Both business and organised labour on Wednesday called for the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) to be placed under administration and its investments investigated independently as the fund sinks deeper into dysfunction, and suspicion of corruption grows. V.5004

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Home Affairs Minister and DG agree to pay legal costs from their pockets

The Minister of Home Affairs, Aaron Motsoaledi, and Director-General, Livhuwani Makhode, have agreed to pay part of the legal costs for Lawyers for Human Rights from their own pockets.This comes after the Constitutional Court on Monday slapped both Motsoaledi and Makhode with personal cost orders in the case involving the rights of undocumented immigrants.The decision follows Motsoaledi and his department’s failure to revise the Immigration Act in the past six years. V.5057

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Pakistani and SA nationals slapped with lengthy jail terms for passport crimes

Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi has welcomed the lengthy jail terms meted out to two South Africans and a Pakistani national in separate cases in Durban and Johannesburg, respectively, for passport related crimes. Arfan Ahmed, a Pakistani was arrested in a sting operation involving the Counter Corruption Branch of Home Affairs, the Hawks and the Police Crime Intelligence on 24 March at the Home Affairs office in Krugersdorp V.5002

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Nxesi expected to crack the whip over R5bn UIF jobs deal

A damning forensic investigation conducted by the department of employment and labour has recommended that Minister Thulas Nxesi institute disciplinary proceedings against the UIF commissioner, the department director-general (DG) and other officials for their role in signing a R5 billion lucrative deal between Thuka Capital Fund and the UIF. The deal was meant to create thousands of long-term and sustainable jobs and market linkages, and broaden supply chains. V.5000

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Home Affairs Verification Processes, Getting Smarter

In a recent meeting attended by SAQA affiliates , Immigration Practitioners & Lawyers , DHA presented a webinar hosted by Phindiwe Mbhele - Director: Corporate Accounts he highlighted the great level of fraud perpetuated by people from fake SAQA certificates , fake qualifications , fake bank statements fake employment contracts and employment letters . V.5001

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How to get documents from Home Affairs in South Africa

Getting documents from Home Affairs in South Africa can be very time consuming. Let Samigration.com make the process easier for you. The Department of Home Affairs is proposing major changes to ID cards in the country. In South Africa, the Department of Home Affairs is responsible for issuing civic certificates and documents, including marriage, death, and birth certificates. They also issue Letters of No Impediment and divorce decrees to South African citizens, but what is the best and fastest way to obtain these documents from Home Affairs? V.4998

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Waiver Letter Immigration South Africa for Visas

The immigration act for South Africa allows for the Minister of Home Affairs to waive certain requirements of the act. Once the requirement has been waived, an individual or corporation will be exempt from that requirement in that instance. In layman’s terms that means that the minister has the authority through the immigration act to waive a specific requirement. In order to be granted the waiver, an applicant must have a “good cause” to be granted. Your application for a waiver must be 100% sound and have good reasoning as the good cause must convince the Department of Home Affairs as to why they need to make an exemption for you. The applicant must prove that there is sufficient evidence to waive the requirement or form and then the Department of Home Affairs shall determine to either grant or refuse the waiver. V.4999

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Ways to get your police clearance certificate quickly

Find out the process of applying for a police clearance (SAPS365) and how Sa migration can help you get yours in as little as 7 days. Efficient ways to get your police clearance certificate quickly: Many South Africans know it can take a long time sometimes weeks or even months to get a police clearance certificate from the South African Police Service (SAPS). During the first half of 2022, SAPS had even more delays because their main office was closed. This made it take even longer to process these certificates at the Criminal Records Centre in Pretoria. V.4992

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Stellenbosch Business School director resigns following visa challenges

Professor Mark Smith is leaving the Stellenbosch Business School. Supplied • Stellenbosch Business School director Professor Mark Smith has had to resign from the position he held since 2020. • News24 understands this development is related to challenges with securing appropriate visas for his family. • The university says it continues to support ongoing discussions with Universities South Africa and the Home Affairs Department to `smooth out visa processes`. Stellenbosch Business School director Professor Mark Smith has resigned from his position, which he has held since 2020. News24 understands this development was a result of his family not being able to secure appropriate visas to reside in South Africa. V.4993

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Germany`s housing sector slumps into crisis

• Hundreds of homeowners-to-be across Germany have been left in the lurch as builders go out of business. • A jump in interest rates and material costs has seen twice as many developers file for insolvency over the last year than during the previous 12 months. • The German government on Monday offered a new package of measures to help ease the pressure. Valeriy Shevchenko felt like he made the purchase of his lifetime when he beat a queue of prospective buyers to secure a two-bedroom apartment in one of Berlin`s most popular districts. Two years on, the 33-year-old`s housing dreams have come crashing down after the developer of his new home, Project Immobilien, went bankrupt. Hit by a sudden jump in interest rates and raw material costs, twice as many developers have filed for insolvency over the last year than during the previous 12 months. V.4994

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Digital nomads: How SA labour laws affect foreign employers, employees and remote workers

In the modern world of employment in which South Africa is fast being recognised as a destination of choice for remote workers, foreign employers must take care to align the employment contract to the appropriate system of law, says Bradley Workman-Davies. The Labour Relations Act (LRA), among other important functions, regulates the rights of employees whose contract of employment has been terminated, and affords the employee the right to refer a dispute to the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) upon receipt of such notice. However, the position of an employee who needs to rely on legal protection in terms of labour law within the framework of diplomatic immunity remains V.4995

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Unabridged vs. Abridged vs. Vault Birth and Marriage Certificates from Home Affairs

Abridged birth and/or marriage certificates merely indicate the most basic details pertaining to the person to whom the document is issued. Obtaining documents from Home Affairs is generally a tedious and somewhat confusing exercise, but perhaps the trickiest part of the whole exercise is figuring out which documents you need to apply for. Do you need an abridged, unabridged, or vault copy of your official South African document? Or perhaps all three? Why are there three versions of each document, and what are the differences between them? Samigration.com, a document concierge service provider, provides some much-needed clarity on the topic… V.4996

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The Letter of No Impediment for South Africans

What is a Letter of No Impediment, why is it important? Samigration.com shares with South Africans all about it and how to obtain yours quickly A Letter of No Impediment is of paramount importance for South African citizens when traveling abroad. But what exactly is this document, what purpose does it serve, and what’s the fastest route to obtaining one if you need it? This article delves into the topic and aims to answer all these questions. V.4997

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Home Affairs in court for ‘blocking’ identity documents

No ID, no life. This is the fate of many children in South Africa who are victims of their parent’s IDs being “blocked” by the Department of Home Affairs. Their births are never registered or are registered very late; their parents cannot access child support and other grants; they are excluded from or discriminated against at school; they struggle to access health care and immunisation programmes. Without an identity number they are “invisible” to the state. These are the submissions of the Children’s Institute at the University of Cape Town, represented by the Centre for Child Law, admitted as an amicus curiae in a case to be argued this week in the Pretoria High Court. V.4986

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Motsoaledi tells Parliament what is needed for home affairs dept to operate more efficiently

• Aaron Motsoaledi says his department will operate more efficiently with a staff contingency of 60%. • The Department of Home Affairs currently operates at 39 to 42% capacity. • Motsoaledi says backlogs may never be solved if the department does not improve its operational capacity. Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi says the Department of Home Affairs needs a staff contingency of 60% to operate optimally - but, currently, it falls short of this target, despite pleas to the National Treasury V.4987

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Motsoaledi has made up his mind’: ZEP non-renewal will affect many lives, court hears

There are no prospects of success for Home Affairs` appeal application, according to the respondents. The Helen Suzman Foundation has insisted that Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi’s decision to terminate the Zimbabwean Exemption Permit (ZEP) programme without formal consultation was not in line with the law. The full bench of the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria heard the Department of Home Affairs’ leave to appeal application on Monday. V.4988

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Italy to detain migrants for up to 18 months, as 10 000 people land on one small island in a week

Italy is trying to deter an influx of migrants with a set of new measures. 10 000 migrants arrived on the shores of Lampedusa island last week, more than doubling the island`s population. Illegal immigrants may soon be detained for up to 18 months while they await repatriation. The Italian government, struggling with a surge in migrant arrivals, will pass measures on Monday to lengthen the time migrants can be held and to ensure more people who have no right to stay are repatriated, officials said V.4985

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Nigeria`s power grid has collapsed again, causing nationwide blackouts

• Nigerian distributors say the country suffered a total grid collapse on Thursday. • Much the country remains without power. • Load shedding is implemented in South Africa to guard against grid collapse. Nigeria`s electricity distribution companies reported `a total system collapse` on Thursday, causing widespread blackouts across Africa`s biggest economy. Power generation fell to zero in the early hours and had risen to 273 megawatts (MW) by 10:30 still well below the daily average of 4 100 MW, data from the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) showed. TCN did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Grid power supply is erratic in Nigeria, a major oil and gas pro V.4983

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Australia promises 20 years in jail for training Chinese pilots; SA school targeted isn`t worried

Australia`s defence minister Richard Marles introduced an amendment to parliament that seeks to introduce a 20-year prison term for providing military training to a foreign military. Pat Hoelscher/AFP • Australia plans to send any resident who trains a foreign military to jail for up to 20 years. • Draft legislation seems to have the Test Flying Academy of South Africa firmly in its crosshairs. • The company says the change will not affect its operations in any way just as US sanctions didn`t. Australia plans to introduce tough new penalties for any resident involved in training a foreign military not closely allied to that country. V.4984

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We are legal ghosts, Somali family’s bitter struggle to get refugee status in SA

The Department of Home Affairs is now giving appointments for refugees to apply for asylum only in 2025, even though they are required to present themselves at a Refugee Reception Office within five days of their arrival in the country. The legal team for a Somali family that has been harassed by law enforcement, refused medical assistance and given a date to apply for asylum 18 months down the line, has called on the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to intervene and support their court case against the Department of Home Affairs. “We are legal ghosts,” Abdullahi Osman Shale said in an affidavit explaining the suffering inflicted on his family by the Department of Home Affairs. V.4981

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South Africa’s visa regime keeps out badly needed skilled workers

The government is blocking the potential that foreign workers can bring to South Africa’s stagnant economy. South Africa’s work visa regime is laborious, lengthy and inefficient. The process deters foreign investment, widens the skills gap and throttles productivity, economic growth and development. Between 2015 and 2021, only 16,097 critical skilled-worker permits were approved by the Department of Home Affairs. At an average of just more than 2,200 a year, that amounts to a rejection rate of 52%, for an economy with a sizeable skills deficit. The business visa rejection rate over the same period is even higher, at 68%. V.4982

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Istanbul is as alluring as ever... and SA travellers can get free visas and hotel stays

• Istanbul is still one of the world`s most alluring cities for global travellers. • And for South Africans, it`s one of the cheapest and easiest to visit. • Türkiye issues e-visas immediately at no cost. • And Turkish Airlines, which flies direct to South Africa seven days per week, offers free overnight hotel stays or day tours to those on layovers in Istanbul. • Here`s what to see and do - and how to capitalise on a free extended layover in Istanbul. `If the world were a single country,` Ibrahim says as we gather speed along the western edge of the Bosphorus Strait, `then Istanbul would be its capital`. It`s 16:00 on a Thursday, and the temperature is still hovering somewhere around 30 degrees. The afternoon sunlight reflects off the floor-to-ceiling windows of the waterside stone palaces, their designs influenced by the world`s most powerful empires, and onto the small turquoise waves cresting around us. V.4979

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Ramaphosa considers cutting number of government departments in South Africa

The National Treasury has reportedly written several proposals to reduce the number of government departments in South Africa. According to the Sunday Times, a secret meeting was held in Stellenbosch, where several key figures discussed these proposals. These include President Cyril Ramaphosa, finance minister Enoch Godongwana, and several top officials from National Treasury and the Reserve Bank. If accepted, these proposals would reportedly save the government about R17 billion in spending but at the cost of lost jobs. Examples of how the proposed cuts would work include: • Closing the Department of Sports, Arts, and Culture and incorporating its duties into the Department of Basic Education. • Closing the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure and requiring departments to manage their own buildings and assets. • Merging the Department of Tourism with the Department of Trade, Industry, and Competition. V.4980

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For the marginalised, biased AI algorithms can damage almost every part of life

AI data is polluted by a set of myths from the age of “enlightenment”, including biases that lead to discrimination based on gender and sexual identity. • Bad data does not only produce bad outcomes. It can also help to suppress sections of society, for instance vulnerable women and minorities. • Algorithms generally need to be exposed to data often taken from the internet in order to improve at whatever they do, such as screening job applications, or underwriting mortgages. • But the training data often contains many of the biases that exist in the real world. Bad data does not only produce bad outcomes. It can also help to suppress sections of society, for instance vulnerable women and minorities. V.4977

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Difficult trade-offs coming to keep South Africa afloat: report

The National Treasury has reported told president Cyril Ramaphosa that South Africa will have to hike value-added tax (VAT) by 1% or 2% if it wants to keep the R350 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant going. According to the Sunday Times, this message was among many delivered at a top-level meeting called by the president this week, following the release of a Treasury memo to various departments warning of budget cuts. South Africa has effectively hit its budget limit, with revenues not meeting the February budget expectations, while government spending has continued to balloon far beyond what was planned. To avoid financial collapse, sacrifices now have to be made. V.4978

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Zimbabweans on legal cliff edge despite ZEP court victory

A study by the University of Johannesburg recommends allowing permit holders to apply for permanent residency in SA. The recent court victory declaring the termination of the Zimbabwean Exemption Permit (ZEP) system unlawful has merely delayed the ultimate day of reckoning for 178 000 ZEP holders and their families in SA. A new study by the Centre for Sociological Research and Practice at the University of Johannesburg (UJ) argues that the government’s attempt to terminate the ZEP system holds dire consequences for both SA and the broader region. The government is appealing the court decision. This has thrown ZEP holders into an ongoing state of anxiety over their futures. V.4927

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Turkey Visa For South African, USA, Kuwait, Saudi and Oman Citizens

There is something in Turkey for everyone. The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs introduced the eVisa program in 2013. South Africans can now apply online for a Turkish visa. The Turkish government now provides e-Visas to citizens of over 100 countries, including South Africa. As a result, Turkey is becoming a popular South African tourism destination. South African passport holders are no longer required to visit the Turkish embassy. In exchange, you can apply online and get your e-visa faster. Before traveling, South Africans can apply for a visa online. South African citizens must apply for a Turkey e-Visa to enter Turkey for tourist, business, transit, or medical reasons V.4968

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Hi-tech to plug loopholes at porous borders

The Department of Home Affairs is looking to deploy high-technology at six borders to minimise the movement of illicit good at the land ports. So said minister Aaron Motsoaledi yesterday, during a joint press conference to explain the request for proposals for the development of the six busiest land ports of entry. “In our request for proposals, we are expecting the prospective partner companies to come install the latest technologies, such as gamma ray scanners, such that each truck can drive through them.” According to the minister, gamma ray technology can pick up anything from illicit cigarettes, liquor, paper money and human beings. V.4969

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Children of refugees wanting SA citizenship will have to speak one official language

• Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi gazetted new regulations under the South African Citizenship Act. • The regulations create a clear process for people born in South Africa to asylum-seeker and refugee parents to apply for naturalisation. • Applicants will have to prove they have knowledge of any one of the official South African languages. A clear process has been created for people born in South Africa to asylum-seeker or refugee parents, which allows them to apply for naturalisation after they turn 18 - but they will have to prove they know any one of the official South African languages. Earlier in June, Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi gazetted new regulations, under the South African Citizenship Act, which deal with naturalisation application, specifically for applicants born to asylum seekers and refugees. An application form is included in the regulations. V.4970

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South Africa: Minister of Home Affairs Decision to Terminate ZEP Set Aside

As today’s judgment in the Zimbabwe Exemption Permit (ZEP) matter makes clear, what is at stake are matters both of enormous consequence but also striking ordinariness. The judgment is of huge significance for the approximately 178 000 ZEP holders who have lived in South Africa perfectly legally for almost fifteen years, finding that they are entitled to fair process, due consultation and clear reason, demonstrating good cause, when decisions of calamitous moment are made regarding their lives and livelihoods. V.4967

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Children born in South Africa to foreign parents not automatically entitled to SA citizenship, says court

A court has said that children born in South Africa to foreign national parents are not automatically entitled to South African citizenship. Pretoria - A court has found that children born in South Africa to foreign national parents do not automatically entitle them to South African citizenship. The court then turned down an application by Zimbabwean parents for their children to be issued with SA birth certificates. The parents had turned to the Polokwane High Court to review and set aside a decision by the department of home affairs, which refused to issue the three children with birth certificates. V.4965

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Ramaphosa wants to deal decisively with illegal immigration and create safer inner cities

Johannesburg - President Cyril Ramaphosa has vowed to act decisively and tighten immigration laws and policies. Ramaphosa, in his weekly newsletter, reflected on last Thursday’s tragedy at Usindiso Shelter, where 77 people died when a fire broke out in the early hours of Thursday morning. On Monday, the president, who has jetted off to Zimbabwe for the inauguration of president-elect Emmerson Mnangagwa, said it has become his priority to deal with regulating illegal immigration as this encourages exploitation of the vulnerable foreigners in the country. “Dealing decisively with illegal immigration is a priority because regularising the immigration status of all those who have the legal right to be in our country helps to protect them from exploitation. V.4966

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Women in Limpopo paid to marry Pakistani nationals

A woman identified as Priscilla in Mogaung village, located just outside Groblersdal in Sekhukhune, Limpopo, has come under scrutiny and faced accusations of orchestrating marriages between Pakistani nationals and multiple women within her community. This revelation has prompted several women to step forward and share their accounts, alleging that Priscilla had arranged marriages between them and Pakistani shop owners. V.4964

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International arrivals at Cape Town International Airport injects R24 billion into the Western Cape economy in 2022

Cape Town Air Access, powered by Wesgro, has released updated figures for the estimated economic impact of international passengers travelling to Cape Town and the Western Cape. The figures highlight the remarkable economic contribution of air travel to the local economy, emphasising its role in job creation, direct tourism expenditure, GDP growth, and air cargo transported. Underpinning the indispensable role of aviation in the tourism sector in the province, the arrival of 605 000 foreign passengers injected a whopping R24.3 billion into the Western Cape economy in 2022 alone, supporting 10 600 jobs. V.4961

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Navigating UK Visas and Permits: A comprehensive guide for South Africans

The United Kingdom has long been a destination of choice for individuals seeking new opportunities, world-class education, and a high quality of life. For South Africans, the UK offers a range of visas and permits that provide avenues for business investment, expansion, work, and residence. This article will shortly explore the prominent visa routes available, shedding light on the Innovator Visa, Expansion Worker Route, and Skilled Worker Visa. Overview of the UK Immigration Landscape V.4962

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Mass deportation’ of illegal immigrants opposed

Johannesburg, The Helen Suzman Foundation (HSF) has launched an urgent application against Home Affairs Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi and his department in the High Court to stop the “mass deportation” of illegal immigrants in the country. The move follows the stance pronounced last month by Motsoaledi that officials would be conducting extensive law-enforcement operations to deport individuals living in the country without proper documentation. In a message on the department’s official social media account early last month, Motsoaledi asserted his firm position on illegal immigrants as he tweeted: “We don’t make noise when we conduct law enforcement operations. We move in and deport people. V.4963

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Kidnappings for ransom: Kingpins, crooked cops, dodgy home affairs systems exposed

The terrifying tentacles of kidnapping for ransom syndicates have crawled from Mozambique into South Africa over the past few years, with a convicted killer believed to be one of the kingpins pulling the strings from inside a maximum security prison in Maputo. But Nini Satar, serving a 24-year sentence for the 2000 murder of journalist Carlos Cardosa who investigated massive embezzlement at the Commercial Bank of Mozambique, has denied any involvement in kidnappings in South Africa that have shot up by more than 530% over the past three years. V.4957

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Important change for VFS visa applications in South Africa

Amid visa chaos at the Department of Home Affairs, visa outsourcing and technology service VFS Global says that South Africa is experiencing a surge in demand for services driven by pent-up demand for travel. The department launched a pilot project testing the VFS model through VFS Global in June 2022 in the UK, which was a huge success. VFS Global is an outsourcing and technology services company for governments and diplomatic missions worldwide. It allows for the application of visas and passports through its online platform and physical offices and facilitates the admin and payment, and delivery of the documentation when processed. V.4958

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New marriage and divorce laws for South Africa have run into a major problem

The Departments of Justice and Correctional Services and Home Affairs have hit a roadblock in the creation of the new Marriage and Divorce Laws in South Africa and if it isn’t resolved soon, the country will have a significant legislative mess on its hands. The Divorce Amendment Bill seeks to amend the Divorce Act of 1997 and provide a legislative framework for Muslim Marriages in South Africa. The Constitutional Court ruled in June 2022 that the divorce act was unconstitutional as it did not recognise Muslim Marriages. The ConCourt suspended the constitutional invalidity for 24 months from the date of the order to allow the Cabinet and the President to remedy the issues in the existing legislation. V.4953

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Home Affairs officials irregularly facilitated SA passports for foreigners during lockdown

• The Department of Home Affairs has told Parliament that their officials irregularly facilitated SA passports for foreigners while the country was in lockdown. • The department is also investigating nearly 300 000 unauthorised cross-border movements which were registered on its central management system. • On Tuesday, MPs were briefed on the department’s effort to root out corruption in the issuance of visas and permits. When the country was in the chokehold of the Covid-19 lockdown, rogue home affairs officials irregularly facilitated South African passports for foreign nationals. On top of this, investigations into nearly 300 000 unauthorised cross-border movements are under way and over 3 000 retirement visas have come under the microscope. V.4954

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Overcoming the skills scarcity requires the expertise of the MSP

In 2021, Gartner found that talent shortages were inhibiting technology adoption and development, with 64% of IT executives citing it as a challenge. Fast-forward to 2023, and the market remains complicated with the firm predicting that demand for talent within tech will continue to exceed supply until 2026. It is echoed by S&P Global statistics that highlight how complex the skills situation has become with 51% of respondents saying it has been difficult to hire new people and 44% struggling to find qualified candidates. The S&P analysis also found that while companies are looking for smart ways to upskill and reskill existing talent while building packages that woo top talent to their doors, the cost of finding, attracting and retaining the right people is high. If anything, it is increasing as companies fight for talent 86% of CIOs V.4955

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Home affairs officials in Ghana and China suspended over `fraudulent` visas and permits

The department of home affairs has suspended three officials deployed in Ghana and China for issuing visas and permits fraudulently. Stock photo. The home affairs department has suspended three officials deployed in Ghana and China for issuing visas and permits fraudulently. This was revealed in the department’s presentation in parliament on Tuesday. The irregularities were initially flagged in the Cassius Lubisi review minstrel committee report which probed issuance of permits and visas from 2004 to 2020. The report found thousands of permanent residence permits, corporate/business visas, critical skills visas, study visas, retired persons’ visas and citizenship by naturalisations were issued irregularly. V.4956

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Mnangagwa and Zanu PF declare Zimbabwe election victory, but results are disputed by opposition

It was found that an estimated 45 000 fraudulent visas were issued between 2014 and June 2021. • The Department of Home Affairs continues to smoke out corrupt officials within its ranks. • Officials at South Africa`s missions in Ghana and China were caught issuing fraudulent visas. • On Tuesday, the Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs was briefed on the progress made in rooting out corruption. The Department of Home Affairs swooped in on South Africa`s missions in Ghana and China after foreign deployment officials were caught irregularly issuing visas. It was found that an estimated 45 000 fraudulent visas were issued between 2014 and June 2021. On Tuesday, the Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs was briefed on the progress made by the department to investigate the illegal issuing of visas and other documents V.4950

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3 big changes for visas in South Africa

President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Operation Vulindlela says that three big changes for South Africa’s visa regime are almost ready to be presented to the public for comment. These measures should go a long way to assisting businesses to draw critical skills to the country, while also making it easier for these skills to actually get here. This is part of a comprehensive review of the visa regime and immigration changes, it said, which the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) will gazette in August for public comment. The three key changes include: • Creating new visa categories for remote workers and start-ups; • Establishing a points-based system for work visa application routes; • Introducing a trusted employer scheme. V.4951

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SA doesn`t just have a jobs crisis. It has a skills crisis

South Africa faces an ongoing youth unemployment crisis. But as many employers struggle to fill the vacancies that are available, it`s clear the problem is bigger than a shortage of jobs. The number of unemployed people in South Africa increased to 7.9 million in the second quarter of 2023, from 5 million a year ago. Youth unemployment between the ages of 15 and 24 and 25 and 34 years recorded the highest unemployment rates of 60.7% and 39.8%, respectively. Just under 10% of graduates are unemployed and a further 20% of learners from other tertiary institutions are unemployed. V.4946

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Motsepe calls for a Brics entrepreneur visa to boost economic growth

Mining mogul Patrice Motsepe has called on African nations to consider the implementation of preferential visas for entrepreneurs. Motsepe made the call during an interview at the 15th Brics summit`s business forum on Tuesday in Sandton. The billionaire entrepreneur drew attention to the idea that has been in circulation since 2013. His remarks came as part of discussions at the Brics business forum, on the sidelines of the three-day Brics summit which ends on Thursday. He highlighted the need to expedite the visa application process, acknowledging the legitimate concerns of governments regarding maintaining sovereignty while promoting economic growth through entrepreneurship. V.4947

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Mnangagwa and Zanu PF declare Zimbabwe election victory, but results are disputed by opposition

Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his ruling Zanu PF party were on Saturday night declared winners of the country’s chaotic general elections held on 23 August but results are disputed by the main opposition Citizens Coalition for Change party led by Nelson Chamisa. President Emmerson Mnangagwa polled 52.6 percent of the total votes cast while his main challenger Nelson Chamisa of the Citizens Coalition for Change party came second with 44 percent amid opposition claims of vote-rigging and heavy criticism by international observers. The remainder of the vote was split between other smaller parties. V.4948

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South Africa’s visa chaos deepens

Immigration experts at Xpatweb say that South Africa’s visa landscape has become increasingly chaotic over the past 18 months, with the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) not providing any clarity or regular updates on what’s going on. The group said that the country’s immigration landscape has always been complex, but the past year and half had introduced even more hurdles that are negatively impacting individuals and businesses alike. For individuals, their applications have been left in limbo adding to a backlog of applications while businesses have been left stunted, unable to secure the critical skills they need for their local operations. V.4949

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Do Employers Face Consequences for Hiring Unauthorized Workers?

Worksite immigration enforcement has increased, but still few employers charged with illegal hiring. The recent immigration enforcement raids at several chicken-processing plants in Mississippi netted hundreds of arrests and dozens of criminal indictments against undocumented workers. But the action brings up a long-standing question, especially in an era of increased worksite enforcement: Where are the charges against the employers for hiring unauthorized workers? V.4940

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South Africa commits to work closely with China for a shared future

As China`s president, Xi Jinping, attends the BRICS summit this week, the bilateral relationship between South Africa and its largest trading partner is expected to grow. In his weekly newsletter, President Cyril Ramaphosa notes the strength of this relationship and commits to working closely with China. Dear fellow South Africans This year marks 25 years of diplomatic ties between South Africa and the People`s Republic of China. Our bilateral relationship with our largest trading partner is almost as old as our democracy. On Tuesday, we will receive Chinese President Xi Jinping on his fourth state visit to South Africa. President Xi will also participate in the 15th BRICS Summit, being hosted in Johannesburg. V.4938

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South Africa commits to work closely with China for a shared future

As China`s president, Xi Jinping, attends the BRICS summit this week, the bilateral relationship between South Africa and its largest trading partner is expected to grow. In his weekly newsletter, President Cyril Ramaphosa notes the strength of this relationship and commits to working closely with China. V.4939

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Wholesale review of immigration regimen may see SA (temporarily) exit UN convention on refugees

South Africa could drop out from the United Nations refugee convention, while also repealing its domestic refugee, immigration and citizenship laws in efforts to ‘reshape the destiny of our country’, according to an ANC WhatsApp group message making the rounds from Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi. Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi’s WhatsApp message asks for readiness to publicly comment on the release of the almost completed White Paper, or a government policy statement, that has emerged rather than the single new immigration law the governing ANC 2022 national conference had resolved on. Going the White Paper route takes Home Affairs back to 2017, and its never implemented international migration policy. V.4935

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Ramaphosa seeks to allay global jitters ahead of BRICS summit

President Cyril Ramaphosa sought to allay global jitters ahead of the BRICS summit. More than 30 heads of state will attend the 15th BRICS summit in Johannesburg this week. Addressing the nation, President Cyril Ramaphosa said South Africa supports the expansion of BRICS members in order to create a more balanced global order. He stressed that the country would not be drawn into a contest between global powers. President Cyril Ramaphosa sought to allay global jitters ahead of the BRICS summit and affirmed South Africa`s neutrality in the shifting global power dynamics. On Sunday night, the president addressed the nation on South Africa’s foreign policy and the upcoming BRICS summit. V.4936

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The race to link our brains to computers is hotting up

Brain implants have long been trapped in the realm of science fiction, but a steady trickle of medical trials suggests the tiny devices could play a big part in humanity`s future. Billions of dollars are flowing into a clutch of specialist companies hunting for treatments for some of the most debilitating ailments. And pioneering studies have already yielded results. In May, a Dutchman paralysed in a motorcycle accident regained the ability to walk thanks to implants that restored communication between his brain and spinal cord. That experiment was one of several eye-catching trials that have helped spark a huge buzz around the industry. V.4937

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There’s a huge VISA backlog at home affairs that’s stifling SA

The visa backlog has nothing to do with people getting out, but rather workers who can’t get into South Africa to fill skills shortages. There’s a huge VISA backlog at home affairs that’s stifling the country.. It’s ironic that with so many South Africans trying to leave the country, it’s a visa backlog for people trying to get INTO the country that’s stifling economic growth. According to a report from Business Tech, the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has a visa backlog of 62 000 applications. These are for people and workers trying to get into the country to fill critical skills shortages. V.4934

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Black American travellers seek to reconnect in SA

In the first five months of 2023, the US market recovered to 94% of the arrivals in the same period in 2019. Black American travellers make up a large proportion of those travellers. Jerry Mpufane, President of South African Tourism North America, said South Africa’s rich history, diverse cultures, stunning landscapes, and vibrant communities, held tremendous appeal for travellers seeking a profound and transformative experience. “Black American travellers, in particular, seek to reconnect with their ancestral roots and explore the continent as a powerful journey of self-discovery,” noted Mpufane. V.4932

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South Africa Citizenship by Descent: The Ultimate Guide

Table Of Contents 1. What It Means to Be a South African Citizen 2. Benefits of South African Citizenship 3. South African Citizenship by Descent 4. Who Qualifies for South Africa Citizenship by Descent 5. South Africa Citizenship by Descent: Requirements 6. How to Apply for Citizenship Through Descent 7. Getting a South African Passport 8. Other Paths to Citizenship in South Africa 9. Dual Citizenship 10. South Africa Citizenship by Descent: The Wrap-Up 11. FAQs South Africa is a land of vibrant cultures, diverse landscapes, and a rich history that spans centuries. With its unique blend of indigenous, colonial, and modern influences, the country has become a popular destination for people from all over the world. However, for those who can trace their roots to South Africa, the idea of becoming a citizen of the Rainbow Nation is more than just a tourist attraction or an exotic adventure. V.4933

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Temporary Residency Visa South Africa

What is a Temporary Residency Visa for South Africa Types of Temporary Visa • Temporary business visa • Temporary work visa • Temporary retired person’s visa • Temporary life partner visa • Temporary spousal visa • Temporary relative visa • Temporary study visa Where can I apply for a Temporary Residency Visa? Temporary residency visa in South Africa are applied for through a Department of Home Affairs service point. The obtaining of a temporary visa is the normal way that an immigrant will enter South Africa and obtain their first visa to allow them to reside in South Africa and carry out an activity or retire. This is due to the fact that permanent residency takes anywhere between 12 and 30 months to obtain (in some cases longer). V.4930

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Immigration officer remains suspended after caught ‘selling IDs for R50k’ in TV ‘exposé’: Home affairs

The home affairs department has poured cold water over claims thata suspended immigration officer was back at work. The immigration officer, identified as “Elizabeth”, from North West was suspended amid allegations she was selling identity documents for R50,000. She was allegedly exposed during an episode of Sizokthola on Moja Love. The show focuses on drugs and addiction and their effects on society, among other problems. V.4931

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Why not regularise all law-abiding Zimbabweans living under ZEP?

Elsewhere around the world, larger numbers of irregular migrants have been regularised. Minister of Home Affairs Aaron Motsoaledi during a press briefing at the Department of International Affairs in Pretoria on 16 March 2020. Picture: Jacques Nelles Minister of Home Affairs Aaron Motsoaledi recently lost a court case that anyone could have anticipated was unwinnable. He probably expected to lose it too. He lost it on humanitarian and technical grounds. It prevents him from terminating the South African government’s concession to refugees from neighbouring Zimbabwe nearly 15 years ago. V.4928

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South Africa’s new Marriage Bill raises many thorny issues - a balancing act is needed

South Africa is changing its marriage law to recognise all types of intimate partnerships irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, or religious, cultural and other beliefs. The Department of Home Affairs has invited public comment on the Draft Marriage Bill 2022. The bill amends some marriage laws, and prescribes what’s required for marriages to be considered valid, forms of registration, and the property consequences of marriage. As the preamble shows, it seeks to promote liberal values of equality, nondiscrimination, human dignity and freedom of thought. V.4929

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Why customer reviews are becoming a multi-billion-rand powerhouse

Customer reviews are becoming increasingly powerful. Many businesses are making the mistake of chasing new customers when what they should be doing is ensuring the customers they do have give them a good review, says Amanda Reekie. South Africans are coming into their own when it comes to voicing their opinions online good and bad - through the ability to post experience reviews on a business’s website, their social media or via third parties like HelloPeter. So significant is this trend that it underpins the key findings of the fifth edition of The South African Customer Experience Report, which I recently co-authored with Rogerwilco’s CEO Charlie Stewart and Julia Ahlfeldt from Julia Ahlfeldt Founder of Julia Ahlfeldt CX Consulting. V.4923

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They will never be granted the visa in their lifetime’: the families waiting decades to settle parents in Australia

As processing times for some parent immigration visas balloon out to almost 30 years, the families hoping to be reunited for good are left in limbo “My heart is broken,” writes Maria from Norway. Originally from Poland, Maria and her husband, Robert, are eager to join their son in Perth. He’s an IT engineer at a global company who relocated to Australia several years ago. Since then, he’s married, become a citizen and had a son. In August 2021, Maria and Robert applied for contributory parent visas, which offer permanent residency and cost $47,955 for each person. At the time they were advised it would be three or four years before they could migrate. Now Maria is reading on Facebook that the wait could be more than six years. V.4924

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I`m done with Canada High cost of living leads some to leave the country

With the Bank of Canada’s recent decision to raise its key interest rate, and the average price of a home rising year-over-year, many Canadians say they are struggling to afford housing. As a result, some have decided to relocate to countries where they will pay less for accommodation and other essential items. One of those people is Roland Cameron from Hamilton, Ont. Cameron and his wife arrived in Barbados on July 10 and plan to live there permanently. The couple had considered living in other countries before settling on Barbados, where Cameron’s father’s side of the family lives. In search of a lower cost of living, the couple hopes to make the value of their dollar go further, Cameron said. “The fundamentals of why we’re paying so much for stuff doesn’t make sense,” the 48-year-old business owner told CTVNews.ca in a telephone interview on June 12. “We would always come up with more income, but new costs would pop up. V.4921

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South Africa: Western Cape Finance and Economic Opportunities on missed deadline for Remote Working Visa

The Minister of Home Affairs, Aaron Motsoaledi, has confirmed in a letter to the Western Cape Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Opportunities and Tourism, that his department has missed its own deadline to introduce the Remote Working Visa in South Africa by the end of June this year. This means that it has now been 527 days and counting since President Ramaphosa first announced the intention to introduce this much needed and sought after visa category, in his February 2022 State of the Nation Address. Remote workers, or Digital Nomads, are people who have jobs elsewhere in the world, who because of remote working options, would prefer to conduct this work (and spend their foreign earnings) in our beautiful destination. V.4919

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Court reprieve for Zimbabwean Extension Permit holders does little to quell panic

Permit holders may have been afforded a 12-month reprieve in June, but many say their relief was short-lived, with the Minister of Home Affairs now challenging the court ruling. While figuring out their (limited) options, many have to contend with locals’ ill feeling towards them and the threat of losing their livelihoods. Kelvin Kambasha travelled to South Africa from Zimbabwe to “look for something better” in the wake of Zimbabwe’s sociopolitical and economic instability of the mid-2000s. He had no one to rely on and needed to quickly become industrious. He found employment first as a van assistant before being promoted to heavy-duty driver once he obtained a Code 14 licence. V.4920

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South Africa experiencing a surge in visa application volumes

The most common reason why visa applications get rejected is due to incorrect or insufficient information submitted while applying for a visa. With the post-Covid world having seen a strong surge in outbound travel, South Africa has experienced a hike in visa volumes, far exceeding the 2021 statistics last year standing at 70%, according to a travel expert. Speaking at a travel media session in Johannesburg yesterday, VFS Global sub-Saharan Africa head Hariprasad Viswanathan, said the number of visa applications processed in 2022 from South Africa, had risen by over five times, compared to 2021. V.4918

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Zimbabwe permit holders can work until 31 December even if permit application unsuccessful

Zimbabwe Exemption Permit (ZEP) holders can legally work in South Africa until 31 December even if they are not successful in their applications for other visas, said the employment law team from Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr. Earlier this month, South Africa’s government extended the ZEP, due to expire at the end of June, by another six months to December, citing a wave of visa and waiver applications. “You are still legally allowed to work and live in South Africa even if your application is unsuccessful, you can still work until that time [31 December],” said Taryn York, a member of the team. V.4916

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3 million people in Japan holding second jobs to make ends meet

A study found that 3.05 million people in Japan held side jobs last year to make ends meet. The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications carries out a survey on the nation’s employment structure every five years. The latest finding, released July 21, represented an increase of 600,000 over the previous study in 2017. The ministry surveyed around 540,000 households nationwide last October. Those who held side jobs represented 4.8 percent of the total, a 0.9 percentage point increase over the previous survey. Only 2.5 percent of regular workers held a side job. However, 7.2 percent of people in irregular employment did so. V.4917

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Thousands of foreigners are flocking to South Africa to retire, here’s where they’re coming from

Thousands of foreign nationals have chosen South Africa as their retirement destination, with many of them leaving some notable first-world countries such as the United Kingdom, China, Germany, and the United States of America. During a parliamentary Q&A in June, the minister of Home Affairs was asked to furnish the total number of retirement visa applications that were received and approved, as well as what countries these applicants come from. In response, the department said South Africa had received around 3,645 retirement visa applications over the past two years from foreigners residing in 112 countries. V.4908

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Bus overloaded with over 100 illegal Malawian foreigners, See What They Found With Them

In a new episode, specialists caught a vigorously over-burden transport that was endeavoring to sneak more than 100 unlawful Malawian outsiders into South Africa. The transport was stopped at a barricade, featuring the continuous issue of unlawful migration and the outcomes of an open line strategy. The people installed the transport had paid an expense to acquire unlawful passage into South Africa, exploiting the permeable line among Malawi and South Africa. The inundation of unlawful foreigners from Malawi has turned into a disturbing pattern, inciting specialists to make a move to resolve the issue. V.4905

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White paper on migration can help to sidestep Zimbabwe exemption permit battle

Government decision was an opportunity missed to implement progressive suggestions. SA experiences strong migration flows from neighbouring countries, leading to competition for scarce resources and periodic violence against foreigners, says the writer. The African proverb, “When elephants fight, it is the grass that suffers,” aptly describes the consequences of the Zimbabwean exemption permit (ZEP) holders’ battle with the department of home affairs. On Friday, the high court issued its judgment in the case brought by the Helen Suzman Foundation. The foundation’s lawsuit was a response to the government’s decision in November 2021 to discontinue the special dispensation programme for Zimbabweans. These permits had been granted since 2009, allowing over 177,000 individuals to reside in SA. The foundation’s argument focused not on challenging the decision itself, but rather on the way it was made. V.4906

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SAPS Arrested Over 3700 illegal foreign nationals, See How It Happened

In the past two and a half weeks, the South African Police Service (SAPS) have conducted raids in 20 provinces across the country, resulting in the arrest of more than 3700 foreign nationals for various immigration violations. The operation, which was launched on 8th May 2023 was led by the Ministry of Home Affairs and was conducted by police officers, immigration officers, military personnel and the South African National Defence Force (SANDF). V.4907

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Stop making unmarried people go to court to reach the family advocate, ConCourt orders Parliament

The Constitutional Court has ordered Parliament to revise Section 4 of the Mediation in Certain Divorce Matters Act 24 of 1987 to ensure equal access to the office of the family advocate by children, regardless of their parents` marital status. The case stems from a legal dispute between two former lovers who share two minor children. Their legal dispute over their children reached the Constitutional Court after the mother challenged the constitutionality of section 4 of the act. V.4901

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I am a survivor of the Rwandan genocide, it’s not a safe country for refugees

I was a foster parent for young refugees who came to Kent via the Channel, but were too old to live on their own. One of them, a young boy from Afghanistan, saw his family killed in front of him. He told me: “The Taliban finished my family. But one day, maybe I can get married and start a new family of my own.” For him, nothing was more important than finding a place to call home. For a boy living with such trauma, the Rwanda plan would have been devastating. Imagine thinking you had found a safe place where you could put down roots, only to learn you could be sent to another country, thousands of miles away, all because you had been unfortunate enough to take a dangerous journey? V.4902

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Cape Town teens born to and raised by single mothers denied visas by Swedish government

The Swedish Migration Court denied seven Cape Town soccer players travel documentation because their unabridged birth certificates do not contain their biological fathers` details. Getty Images. Seven teenage soccer players from Camps Bay FC could miss out on a trip to Sweden after the Nordic country denied them visas. The Swedish Migration Court denied them visas because their birth certificates do not have their biological fathers` details. The club appealed the denial at the Migration Court of Appeal and was again denied. V.4903

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What can I do if Home Affairs is taking long to process my son`s citizenship application and my visa is expiring soon?

The short answer Your best option would be to urgently consult with an organisation experienced in dealing with Home Affairs. The whole question Where can I get help with getting Home Affairs to process my application for citizenship for my son, born in 2020 in Russia, and whose father is South African? Russian birth certificates do not mention the father, so my child’s father had a DNA test done to confirm paternity. My 90 days of not having to have a visa are fast running out and still no response from Home Affairs. V.4898

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Court rules on restaurant firing waitress for not sharing R150 cash tip

A waitress, who was fired for not declaring that she had received a R150 cash tip, has failed in her Labour Court bid to challenge this. Johannesburg Labour Court Judge Edwin Tlhotlhalemaje ruled that the dismissal of Nyaradzo Taguzu and the subsequent confirmation of this at the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) was fair and reasonable. Her actions, the judge said, were “self-serving and bordered on greed”. Taguzu was employed at Chef’s Warehouse, Maison Estate, in 2016. She was fired in 2018 after a disciplinary process into allegations of misconduct relating to dishonesty for failing to declare her tips. She referred the dispute to the CCMA, where it was heard by Commissioner Richard Heath. V.4895

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How do I renew my asylum seeker’s permit?

You can email the RRO where you got your most recent extension to make an appointment or try to renew it online. The long answer As you know, the Refugee Reception Offices (RROs) of Home Affairs were all closed during the pandemic in 2020 and Home Affairs had to grant a blanket extension of the permits until 31 December 2021, which was later extended to 30 April 2022. Home Affairs set up an online renewal system in April 2021, but many asylum seekers found great difficulty in using this system. Home Affairs was urged to fix it, but it is not clear how well this system is working yet. V.4896

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What procedures do I need to take to get citizenship, as my mother is South African but my father is a Lesotho citizen and I was born in Lesotho, though I have been studying in South Africa?

The short answer As it is your mother that is South African, not your father, I don’t think they should require a DNA test from your father. However, they might want one from you and your mother. The whole question What procedures do I need to take and what documents do I need to get citizenship, as my mother is South African but my father is a Lesotho citizen and I was born in Lesotho, though I have been studying in South Africa for thirteen years? I also want to know if the fact that only my mother’s first name appears on her identity document will be a problem. How much does it cost to get a DNA test? Will I also be needing my father’s DNA and do I need the Home Affairs link to book an appointment? V.4897

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Visa mess threatens SA expansion plans for German firms like VW, with 100 000 jobs at stake

The gridlock affecting work-permit applications in South Africa is limiting expansion by German companies in the country and threatening operations that support 100 000 jobs, an industry association said. While South Africa is taking steps to improve an approval system and make it easier and quicker to get permits, the snarl-up that was exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic has limited the entry of skilled workers into a country that has a dire shortage of them. Between 2014 and 2021 only 25 298 skilled-worker permits were approved by the country, which has a population of 60 million. V.4893

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Hundreds of suspected illegal immigrants arrested at SA borders

SA National Defence Force (SANDF) members deployed to the borders under “Operation Corona” have effected hundreds of arrests of suspected illegal immigrants and seized contraband including stolen vehicles and narcotics worth millions of rand. The army, detailing its June successes, said in Mpumalanga, along the SA and Mozambique border, soldiers confiscated narcotics valued at R1,682,442 and contraband goods valued at R70,300. It said 205 undocumented persons were apprehended and 19 criminals were arrested. V.4894

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SA is home to more than 40% of Africa`s billionaire companies - survey

More than 40% (147) of Africa`s 345 companies with revenues exceeding R18.8 billion (US$1 billion) are based in South Africa, a new report by wealth tracker McKinsey Global Institute (MGI) says. SA is the leader of the pack because it registered a 5.5% yearly average growth between 2015 and 2021 against a continental average of 4.9%. Egypt comes in second with 43 billionaire companies, followed by Nigeria with 23 and Morocco with 20. A distant fifth is Angola, with nine billionaire firms. The rest of the African countries range between zero and 6. The report revealed that 230 of those firms were founded in Africa or by Africans. MGI estimates that by 2030, Africa`s large corporations would have a combined value of over R10 trillion. V.4890

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South Africa Is Tackling Its Second-Biggest Growth Problem

South Africa has begun taking steps to resolve what the presidency believes is the biggest impediment to growth after persistent blackouts: An acute shortage of skills. A raft of changes to simplify the rules governing the snarled up and byzantine work permit regime were submitted to the state legal adviser last week and are expected to be passed into law in coming months, said Saul Musker, director of strategy and delivery support in the South African Presidency. Musker said that the adviser will consider them for a few weeks, they will then be put out for public comment for 30 days before being taken to parliament. V.4891

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It takes 48 weeks to process a work permit for SA, report

South Africa has begun taking steps to resolve its severe shortage of skills and a problem compounded by a messy work permit process. Getting a work permit for SA has become a complex process. Image: Pixabay A host of changes to simplify the rules governing the complex work permit regime were submitted to the state legal adviser last week and are expected to be passed into law in the coming months, said Saul Musker, Director of Strategy and Delivery Support in the South African Presidency. Musker said that the adviser will consider them for a few weeks, before they are put out for public comment for 30 days. After that they will be taken to parliament V.4892

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Use a registered Immigration Consultancy / Practitioner it is absolutely Vital .

Whoever said that immigration is a piece of cake clearly paid an arm and a leg for the slice. V.4888

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V.4889

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Aaron Motsoaledi cries foul over Zimbabwean exemption permit ruling, applies for leave to appeal

Over 178,000 Zimbabweans in South Africa have the special permit allowing them to live and work in the country. Minister of Home Affairs Aaron Motsoaledi has instructed his legal team to apply for leave to appeal court rulings which overturned his decision to terminate the Zimbabwean Exemption Permit (ZEP) programme. Earlier this week, a full bench in the Pretoria high court, declared the termination of the programme unlawful, unconstitutional and invalid, and directed the minister to reconsider the issue “following a fair process” that complies with the relevant laws. The court challenge was brought by the Helen Suzman Foundation and the Consortium for Refugees and Migrants in South Africa. V.4885

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Home Affairs extends operating hours to deal with high demand for Smart IDs and passports

The Department of Home Affairs has extended its operating hours from Tuesday until Friday to deal with the influx of applications for identity documents and passports. In a statement, it said it would open for an additional two extra hours every day to “meet the growing demands for services at offices”. Department spokesperson Siya Qoza said Home Affairs Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi had approved a temporary extension of operating times by two hours at front offices from 8am to 5.30pm. “This is to deal with the high demand for Smart ID cards and passport services at home affairs offices,” Qoza said. “This extension applies to the 198 modernised Live Capture offices which can process Smart ID Cards and passports,” it said. V.4886

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Turkey Visa For US, China, Canada, Bahrain and South Africa, FAQ

For Americans, traveling to Turkey is very popular. to savor the delicious cuisine, fascinating historical architecture, and rich culture of Turkey. It is simple to apply for a Turkey visa online from the USA thanks to this convenient and modern system. Since the US is one of the nations whose citizens are qualified for an online Turkey e-Visa, US citizens can easily obtain travel authorization to this stunning and ancient nation. In an effort to expedite visa applications, the Turkish e-Visa has replaced the previous `sticker visa.`. There are three options for obtaining a Turkish visa from the US: online (recommended), at the airport, or at an embassy. It is acceptable for either one or more entries into Turkey. Even brief visits to Turkey are subject to visa requirements under Turkish law. V.4887

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Dangerous precedents`: Motsoaledi to apply for leave to appeal against ZEP judgments

On Wednesday a full Bench of the High Court handed down judgments finding against Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi in two Zimbabwean Exemption Permit related matters. Motsoaledi has announced that he will apply for leave to appeal against both judgments.The minister said the judgments set dangerous precedents. Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi has announced that his office will apply for leave to appeal against two Zimbabwean Exemption Permit (ZEP) judgments handed down by a full Bench of the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria this week. The full Bench found against Motsoaledi on two different judgments, both relating to the ZEP. V.4883

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South Africa refuses to renew thousands of Zimbabweans’ visas

The high court in South Africa on Wednesday 28, June 2023 declared the government’s decision not to renew temporary residency permits of nearly 180,000 Zimbabweans living and working in the country “unconstitutional”. Pretoria granted four-year visas to around 178,000 Zimbabweans fleeing economic and political crises at home in 2009, following violent elections. The visas have been repeatedly extended. V.4884

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Scolding court judgment declares Zimbabwe permit termination unlawful, permits stay valid for another year

The court has ruled that the Department of Home Affairs acted unconstitutionally in withdrawing the exemption permits to Zimbabweans. The high court in Pretoria has ruled the Department of Home Affairs’ decision to summarily withdraw the Zimbabwean Exemption Permit unlawful, unconstitutional and invalid. Permit holders will now have another 12 months to remain in South Africa without fear of reprisal or arrest as the court orders the department to conduct a proper public participation process as required by law. The high court said the department had not adhered to the requirements of the Promotion of Administrative Justice Act (Paja). Section 4(1) of the act says that where an administrative decision “materially and adversely affects the rights of the public” an administrator owes a duty of fairness to the public at large. V.4881

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Conversion of South African Driving Licence

CONVERSION TO SOUTH AFRICAN LICENCE The holder of a valid foreign driving licence or international driving permit as described above may at any time, during the one year of validity thereof after the person obtained permanent residence, apply for a RSA driving licence in substitution of his/her foreign driving licence or international driving permit. However, in the case of the holder of a diplomatic permit, the person may apply for such a substitution even if the person does not have permanent residence. The question is also raised whether contract workers and visitors can be regarded as permanently resident in the RSA. V.4882

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Electronic signatures: How valid are they in contract ratification in SA?

As technology continues to reshape various aspects of our lives, it is no surprise that contract ratification has embraced digital alternatives to traditional paper-based methods. In South Africa, how strong are these digital methods in ratifying a contract? To shed light on the matter, we spoke to Helgard Janse van Rensburg, a partner and commercial attorney at Adams & Adams, to explore the strength of digital signatures and its impact on contract enforceability in the South African legal framework. Janse van Rensburg told News24 that, generally speaking, electronic signatures like wet ink signatures - are binding when signing contracts. V.4879

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Aaron Motsoaledi must take responsibility for Immigration Act mess, Lawyers for Human Rights

In an affidavit submitted to the ConCourt on 22 June, Lawyers for Human Rights national director Zibusiso Ncube noted that although Home Affairs Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi had distanced himself from the actions of the department’s staff, the Constitution does not allow him to do so. Lawyers for Human Rights (LHR) says Home Affairs Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi is constitutionally bound to take responsibility for the actions of those in his department. The LHR was responding to affidavits submitted to the Constitutional Court after Chief Justice Raymond Zondo demanded that Motsoaledi and Director-General Livhuwani Makhode explain how the department ignored a Constitutional Court order and failed to apologise when they eventually returned to court. V.4878

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Update on ZEP Case

Update on ZEP Case. Helen Suzman foundation have won. The ZEP continues in place until the Minister makes a new decision after a fair process. they are granted 12 months extention from today - Minister has 12 months to correct V.4880

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Schengen Countries Accused of Mercilessly Refusing Schengen Visas With France & Spain Accounting For Half of Rejections in 2022

Schengen visa applicants are more frustrated than ever with the increasing rejection rates, calling out on the Schengen countries to stop “mercilessly” refusing their applications. Sharing their experiences on Twitter, several Schengen visa applicants have complained that their applications have been rejected unfairly, listing all the difficulties they have encountered to apply, SchengenVisaInfo.com reports. “I am so sad and angry. I was invited to the Google IO event that will take place in Amsterdam on June 20. We wanted to go as a family and spend five days in the Netherlands. I applied for a Dutch visa on April 25. They waited until June 7 and refused,” a Twitter user called Selin Tunc wrote on June 8. She further explained that she had been told to appeal within four weeks, but as the date of the event she was planning to attend was approaching, she decided it was not something worth doing. V.4875

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Who let all these tourists into our lovely tourist traps? France tells its 37m visitors where to go

Who let all these tourists into our lovely tourist traps? France tells its 37m visitors where to go. And you’re speaking French because …? Because this is about France. Ooh, I’m going to France on holiday as it happens. Hardly original it is the world’s most visited country. Whereabouts? Well, I’m starting in Paris … You and more than 37 million others that’s the projection for this year. … To take some selfies in front of Emily’s favourite haunts. Emily? In Paris. Ah yes, of course, the much-maligned Netflix romantic drama. That’s partly to blame. So you’ll be sipping champagne in a strapless black dress in front of the Eiffel Tower? V.4876

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German parliament approves law to attract skilled foreign workers

The German parliament has approved immigration reforms designed to attract skilled workers to the country, which is suffering from an unprecedented labour shortage. The legislation initiated by the governing centre-left coalition of the Social Democrats, the liberal Free Democrats and the Greens on Friday garnered 388 votes while 234 lawmakers voted against it and 31 abstained. V.4877

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Vodacom enables transition away from physical SIM cards for all customer types

Vodacom has expanded eSIM support to all its customers, which means there is no need for a physical SIM card for Vodacom customers who use certain smartphones. SIM cards contain unique identifying information that enables mobile phone users to connect securely to a mobile network. A RICA process is followed to link the SIM card to the person who is buying it. RICA is short for the Regulation of Interception of Communications and Provision of Communication-related Information Act. It is necessary to RICA a SIM to use it legally as this forms part of anti-money laundering regulations. Until recently, this unique identifying information has been stored on physical cards with a SIM number attached to the card. V.4873

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Home Affairs Budget Vote Receives Mixed Reactions in NCOP

The Chairperson of the Select Committee on Security and Justice, Ms Shahidabibi Shaik, commended Minister of Home Affairs Dr Aaron Motsoaledi’s plans, which he mentioned yesterday in the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) during his department’s budget vote, to upgrade some of South Africa’s busiest border posts. Ms Shaik said this will help improve security and ease the movement of goods and people between South Africa and its neighbours. “The issue of border management is critical for ensuring the legal movement of people and goods across our borders. We have noted the positive developments since the establishment of the BMA. We also welcome the digitalisation project, which will help cut fraud and corruption, as it will make it easier to track the original documents,” she said. V.4874

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Home Affairs Officer Agrees She Sells South Africa Identity Cards to Foreigners For R50,000

A Home Affairs officer`s admission that she is selling South African identity cards to foreigners for R50,000 has sparked a wave of outrage on social media. This confession was made on the Moja love reality show. She also said she runs the firm with her Nigerian boyfriend, who brings in most of the necessary customers. Many others are demanding her arrest, arguing that people like her have no place in public life and threaten national security if permitted to remain free. V.4871

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Crypto Myths, Debunked! Part 3: The Myth of Crypto Being Used For Tax Evasion

In this edition of our Crypto we continue our conversation on blockchain and crypto - in part three we learn about bitcoin and tax evasion. With blockchain still a relatively new technology, there are many misconceptions about crypto. This week we take a look at some of the common crypto FUD (fear, uncertainty, and doubt) fuelling narratives and continue to sort fact from fiction. Binance is dedicated to improving the global understanding of blockchain and cryptocurrencies by making Web3 education accessible to all. V.4870

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Visa deadline looms for Zimbabweans in South Africa

Should they fail with a court challenge to secure their continuous stay in South Africa, thousands of Zimbabwean nationals could be forced to leave the country. Many don’t want to return home and start all over again. Almost 200,000 Zimbabweans living in South Africa are waiting with bated breath to hear a court decision on whether they can continue to stay in the country or will be forced to return home. Those whose Zimbabwean Exemption Permits (ZEP) have been terminated now only have 30 days left before the June 30 deadline for them to leave South Africa expires. V.4867

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Home Affairs facing growing calls to refund Kiwis over permanent resident visa `money grab`

Migration agent dipped into her savings to help clients afford the visa. Share • A migration agent is `pleading` with the Department of Home Affairs to refund the cost of her New Zealand clients` permanent resident visas, after they were approved just months before the government revealed it would scrap the need for them. V.4868

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Ghana excluded as Canada adds two African countries to visa-free travel list

The Canadian government has announced visa-free travel for visitors from 13 different countries across Asia, Africa, Central and South America. In a statement, Sean Fraser, the Canadian Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship said the visa-free travel is extended to Antigua and Barbuda, St Lucia, Trinidad and Tobago, St Kitts-Nevis, Panama, Argentina, Costa Rica, Uruguay, Morocco, Seychelles, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Thailand and the Philippines. While North Africa’s Morocco and East Africa’s Seychelles joined the list, Ghana, Nigeria the most populous African nation didn’t make the cut. It said “An expansion of the electronic travel authorization better known as the eTA programs makes it easier for “known travelers” from those countries to come here for fun and business V.4869

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Foreigners flocking to New Zealand, immigration data shows

Foreigners are flocking to New Zealand in record numbers after the nation loosened immigration rules to plug labour shortages.
A record net 98 391 non-New Zealand citizens arrived in the year through April 30, while 26 061 citizens departed, Statistics New Zealand said Tuesday in Wellington. V.4862

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Semigration meaning and why it is the in thing right now in South Africa

Over the past few months, many people have settled in the Western Cape province. They have bought their dream homes in the country`s coastal areas for many reasons. Many real estate experts have warned that the situation might worsen if not contained in time. Technically, this type of migration is known as semigration. So, what is semigration meaning, and why is it a major trend in the country? V.4866

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Latest extension of Zimbabwean Exemption Permit may be its last

The now well-known Zimbabwean Exemption Permit (ZEP) has a longstanding history since it was initially implemented by the Republic of South Africa as the Dispensation of Zimbabweans Project (DZP) in 2009. The objectives of the DZP were to provide Zimbabwean nationals who were in possession of fraudulently obtained immigration documents with amnesty, and to curb their deportation. The DZP expired after a period of five years on 31 December 2014 and was replaced by the Zimbabwean Special Dispensation Permit (ZSP). The ZSP was valid for a period of three years, until it expired on 31 December 2017. V.4860

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Zimbabwean Exemption Permits extended again

Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi has extended the Zimbabwean Exemption Permits (ZEP) for another six months. According to Motsoaledi, the validity of the ZEP will be extended from 30 June to 31 December 2023. The extension comes after the department had `approved thousands of waiver applications of the affected Zimbabwean nationals` and was `considering and approving waiver applications daily`. V.4845

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Double emigration blow for South Africa, leaving local businesses desperate for critical skills

South Africa faces a growing emigration problem, with large numbers of highly skilled young people potentially set to leave the country. Meanwhile, those who choose to remain are also increasingly looking to virtual emigration adding to the stresses local businesses already face when seeking critical skills. V.4846

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Fake passports: Hawks, NPA granted permission to attach vehicles linked to home affairs corruption case

The authorities have clamped down on alleged passport fraud. The Hawks and the National Prosecuting Authority`s Assets Forfeiture Unit have been granted a preservation order to attach two vehicles, valued at over R518 000, that are linked to a Krugersdorp home affairs department fraud and corruption case. Last year, an operation was conducted at the offices of the Department of Home Affairs in Krugersdorp after officials were implicated in issuing fraudulent passports to foreigners, using citizens` details. A fraud and corruption case was registered in March 2022. V.4849

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How long it takes to get a work visa in South Africa

The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) revealed the average time it has taken over the past two years for a decision on work visas to be made, but poor administration has meant applicants have waited far longer than what the department claims. During a parliamentary Q&A, the department was asked whether it has established standards for the time period a decision on an application will be made for each visa type made available to foreign nationals for entrance into South Africa. This query comes in light of concerns that long waiting times for visa approvals where having a direct economic contribution as far as employment and investment are concerned. V.4843

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Plan to end load shedding, former Eskom employees to return and more generation capacity to come

Minister in the Presidency responsible for Electricity, Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, announced on Friday that technical experts and former Eskom employees will be stationed at several power stations. At the same time, more generation capacity is being sourced to combat load shedding. The ex-employees and other experts are supported by the Resource Mobilisation Fund (RMF) and will be stationed at various power stations nationwide from Monday (5 June 2023). He said the team would go around the four power stations where the Energy Availability Factor (EAF) is low. According to the Minister, these include Matla, Kriel, Majuba, and Kendal power stations. V.4844

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South Africa’s visa chaos, legal action is an option

The visa backlog at home affairs is causing serious headaches for people looking to travel or work in South Africa. Marisa Jacobs, Managing Director of Xpatweb, said that the Department of Home Affairs’ decision to withdraw the central adjudication system has led to a major visa backlog, with the minister of home affairs, Aaron Motsoaledi, saying that the backlog stands at over 60,000. The minister has, however, announced a new visa cession extending to 31 December 2023. V.4842

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Zimbabwe facing myriad `traditional` obstacles ahead of general elections

A tanking economy, lawfare, a shrinking civic space, propaganda, an electoral body under fire and disinformation have all come to the fore ahead of general elections in Zimbabwe. President Emmerson Mnangagwa has gazetted Wednesday, 23 August as the election date. Political parties have three months to convince the electorate to cast their votes for them. If there is a run-off, it will be held on 2 October. Various think tanks predict a close race between Mnangagwa and his biggest challenger, Nelson Chamisa of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC). The latest survey on the elections by US institute Fitch Solutions predicted a Mnangagwa victory because of the ruling party`s access to state machinery and resources. Zanu-PF`s overarching resources and influence compared to the opposition CCC, headed by Chamisa, will preserve its support in rural strongholds and win key votes in low-income urban areas. V.4841

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Automatic abandonment of asylum application: An analysis of the Scalabrini Centre of Cape Town v Minister of Home Affairs judgment

The process of applying for asylum in South Africa is governed by the Refugees Act 130 of 1998 (Refugees Act). Sections 22(12) and 22(13) were introduced into the Refugees Act by the Refugees Amendment Act 11 of 2017, which came into effect on 1 January 2020. These provisions, and their subsequent Regulations, were the subject of litigation launched in the Western Cape High Court. The Scalabrini Centre of Cape Town instituted proceedings against the Department of Home Affairs (DHA), challenging the constitutional validity of sections 22(12) and 22(13) and Regulation 9 and Form 3 of the Refugee Regulations. These impugned provisions create an automatic presumption that asylum seekers have abandoned their application if they do not renew their asylum visa within 30 days after its expiry the effect of this automatic presumption can be far-reaching and may lead to asylum seekers who have genuine claims being deported back to circumstances in which they can face further persecution. V.4838

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Judge tells Home Affairs to get house in order, stop wasting taxpayers’ money

A judge gave the Department of Home Affairs a tongue lashing for wasting taxpayers’ money by not doing its work and ignoring applications made by the public. He said these ended up in the courts, usually with the taxpayers footing the legal bill on behalf of the department. Judge MP Phooko, sitting in the Gauteng High Court, Pretoria, said it was time “Home Affairs got its house in order”. He pointed out the courts were flooded with applications from people who could not get any answers from the department, regarding their legal status in the country. In the late V.4839

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Tongaat Home Affairs official gunned down in street

The woman is believed to have been on her way home at the time of her murder. An as yet unidentified Home Affairs official was shot and killed in Gopalall Hurbans Road in Tongaat on Thursday afternoon at around 4pm. Members of Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) swiftly responded to multiple reports of the shooting. Eyewitnesses told RUSA officials a male passenger abruptly exited a still-moving car before drawing a firearm and opening fire on the woman driver. Her vehicle veered off the road and collided with a construction barrier. V.4840

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Rwanda`s most wanted genocide fugitive arrested in SA after three decades on the run

Rwanda`s most wanted genocide fugitive has been arrested in South Africa after three decades on the run. A collaborative operation by the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (IRMCT), the Fugitive Tracking Team and South African authorities resulted in the arrest of Fulgence Kayishema, 63, on Wednesday afternoon in Paarl, Western Cape. It had been known for years that Kayishema, who once worked as a bouncer, was hiding in South Africa. However, fractured relations between South Africa and Rwanda made it difficult to track and arrest him. V.4837

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Zimbabwean prisoners want to be paroled and repatriated

The release of Zimbabwean prisoners in South Africa appears to be supported by both governments. A campaign has kicked off to repatriate thousands of Zimbabwean prisoners eligible for parole. A letter sent by attorneys representing the Zimbabwe Exemption Permit Holders Association (Zepha) to the ministers of Home Affairs and Justice and Correctional Services demands action to facilitate the release and repatriation of Zimbabwean prisoners eligible for parole by Tuesday (23 May), failing which the matter will be taken to court. “The release of Zimbabwean prisoners eligible for parole is within the interests of justice and would save taxpayer money,” say Zepha’s attorneys. “Our instructions are to request that your respective departments work with the Zimbabwean Embassy in processing Zimbabwean prisoners in South Africa eligible for parole to be released and repatriated to Zimbabwe.” V.4836

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Don’t straighten my curls to fit your ID, angry Cape Town woman tells Home Affairs

Johannesburg, Is a picture really worth a thousand words? This is the question a Cape Town woman asked when she collected her new passport at a bank in the city. Much to her dismay, the woman, who does not want to be identified, found that her curls had been photoshopped by the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) and she was given a straight hairstyle. When asked about the alteration, the bank official told her all her curls could not fit into the passport photo and DHA had to change her hairstyle. In a Facebook post, the woman wrote: “Went to collect my passport at the bank (after a totally pain-free) process. When the guy handed me my passport obviously the first thing I did was turn to the photo page. Anyone who knows me, knows I hate photos, especially posed photos, which this was. I absolutely screeched. The guy looked petrified. Whaaaat? He asked. I told him to look at the photo. V.4834

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Registration of newborns being hampered by power cuts: Home Affairs

The Department of Home Affairs says rolling blackouts are having a negative impact on the registration of newborn babies, within the stipulated 30-day time frame. It says the use of generators during power outages is not without challenges. The department briefed Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on its performance in achieving its targets for the third and fourth quarters of the 2022/2023 financial year. V.4835

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Drag me to court,` Motsoaledi dares DA after claims he broke the law for UAE visit

DA MP Angel Khanyile said Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi broke the law when he failed to gazette his declaration of the Bulembu Airport as a national point of entry to allow the Emirati president and his entourage into the country. • Self-admitted legal layperson Motsoaledi previously told the Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs he interpreted the law himself, and didn’t obtain a legal opinion. • Responding to the debate on his portfolio’s budget, Motsoaledi challenged Khanyile to drag him to court or to law enforcement agencies if she believed he broke the law. Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi mockingly challenged the DA to “drag [him] to court or law enforcement agencies” after the party claimed he broke the law to allow the Emirati president and his entourage to enter South Africa at the Bulembu Airport last month. V.4832

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Changes for e-Visas in South Africa

Home Affairs minister Aaron Motsoaledi says South Africa’s e-Visa systems will be expanded in the coming financial year to include more visa types. Delivering his budget debate address on Wednesday (17 May), the minister said that work is underway to develop and expand the current e-Visa system. He said that Home Affairs is critical to president Cyril Ramaphosa’s investment drive to kickstart the economy, and through Operation Vulindlela, has been given the mandate to improve the country’s overall visa regime. The minister said that to this effect, South Africa’s e-Visa system will be expanded to 20 more countries during the course of the year. V.4833

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MPs dissatisfied with new Home Affairs system updates

The BMCS system is replacing the 2010 Movement Control System (eMCS) and enables the capturing of fingerprint and facial biometric data of all travellers who enter or exit South Africa. Cape Town - The Department of Home Affairs report on challenges of the roll-out of the Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS) and the Biometric Movement Control System (BMCS) left MPS unimpressed and requesting a quarterly update moving forward. The BMCS system is replacing the 2010 Movement Control System (eMCS) and enables the capturing of fingerprint and facial biometric data of all travellers who enter or exit South Africa. According to the department, in the 2022/23 financial year the system was rolled out to 34 Ports of Entry and up to 30% of immigration counters. V.4830

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SA Opposition Supports ZEP Renewal For People From Matabeleland

The African People First (APF) opposition party in South Africa has supported Zimbabwe Exemption Permit (ZEP) renewal for people from Matabeleland, citing historical connections. This comes after representatives from the Ndebele King Bulelani Khumalo’s office, from the Mthwakazi Royal Kingdom, raised concerns about Zimbabweans facing deportation when their permits expire next month. The APF also spoke to South African Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi about the issue. In a statement dated May 8, APF secretary-general Julie Pillay Mbuthuma said: We are hereby pleased to give you positive feedback on the meeting held with Motsoaledi on May 8, at his chambers, spearheaded by our president (Muzi) Hlengwa, accompanied by APF deputy president Bishop Dlamini and national chairperson Bee Hlengwa. V.4831

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Australia to overhaul immigration policy, joining race for talent

As migrant nation tries to lure highly skilled professionals, SMEs grow worried. Australia is aiming to lure tech sector skills with a proposed immigration policy review. V.4861

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‘Our lives are on the verge of ruin’

WITH less than two months before the South African government terminates the Zimbabwean Exemption Permits (ZEP), gloom and despair have set in for the permit holders and their families. In January 2022, the South African cabinet decided that the ZEP arrangement had to be terminated by December 31, 2022, and applicants should apply for other visa regimes for which they qualify, or for a waiver of certain requirements of the visas they apply for to retain their legal status in the country. On September 2, 2022, Home Affairs minister Aaron Motsoaledi issued a directive extending the ZEPs for an additional six months, until June 30, 2023. V.4826

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One for all: Single visa for entry to Gulf states in the pipelines

Visitors stand to benefit from a proposed unified visa which will cover entry to various states in the Gulf region. Single via for Gulf region in the pipelines. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and its member states are set to implement a single visa for tourists and business visitors from various countries. It was revealed at a panel discussion on The Future of Travel for the GCC, held at the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai, that the Gulf Cooperation Council is planning the introduction of a common visa system for nationals, residents, tourists and business visitors from 35 Arab states and foreign countries. V.4827

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Home Affairs commits to implementing remote working visa by end of June

The report recommended, among others, the introduction of new visa categories to cater for remote workers and start-ups. implementation of the much-talked about and long-awaited Remote Working Visa is within reach after a commitment from the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) to finalise the remaining legal processes by the end of next month. Acting deputy director-general Immigration, Nischal Jaynarayan, told the legislature’s Standing Committee on Finance, Economic Opportunities and Tourism that the state Law Adviser approval process was under way. The committee had invited officials from DHA, the Airports Company South Africa, the provincial Department of Economic Development and Tourism (Dedat), and Wesgro for an update on the introduction of the visa. V.4828

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Visa challenges decisive action needed

Expressing disappointment and concern that 58% of e-visa applications have been rejected as a result of a delay, tourism industry have called for decisive action from government to address this. At a National Council of Provinces meeting yesterday (May 3), the Department of Home Affairs revealed that of the 6 329 e-visas it rejected, 3 687 (58%) were rejected as a result of the date of travel already having passed. To put it simply, the applications simply weren’t got to in time. This follows an earlier revelation by the same Department that, at that time, only 48.7% of all e-visa applications received had been processed. It was further revealed that of those that had been processed, only 3.2% of the total received had been granted. V.4829

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How Motsoaledi `interpreted` an old law with no legal help to help the Emirati president land

• Aaron Motsoaledi `interpreted` legislation, without obtaining a legal opinion, to allow the Emirati president and his 680-strong entourage to enter SA. • The Border Management Act required the designation of an entry point to be gazetted, to allow 30 days for public comment. • Motsoaledi applied the Immigration Act instead, which doesn`t have this `onerous` requirement. Home Affairs Minister and self-admitted legal layperson Aaron Motsoaledi `interpreted` legislation, so that the Bulembu Airport could be designated a temporary entry point into South Africa, in time for the visit of the Emirati president, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed al Nahyan, and his 680-strong entourage. Motsoaledi briefed the Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs about the unannounced, private visit by Al Nahyan last month, which raised eyebrows, and drew comparisons with the Gupta family`s infamous landing at the Waterkloof Air Force base in 2013. V.4819

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SA’s foreign policy has become entitled, childish... while pandering to Russia

South Africa has completely fallen under the spell of Russia, China, and their satellites. Once, we were a reliable international partner, respectful of the international rules-based order, but that has now all changed, argues Pieter du Toit. South Africa`s unhinged foreign policy unmoored from logic and reality, that is reached new levels of incomprehension last week during another vote related to Ukraine. V.4820

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This country is quickly becoming the next ‘Australia’ for South African expats

Mauritius is rapidly emerging as one of Africa’s big economic success stories, with its growth rate expected to increase by 75% in the coming decade, says Dani van Vuuren, business development consultant at Sovereign Trust. With economic prosperity and job opportunities on the horizon, the island state of Mauritius has become a new place for relocation or startups. One of the main drawing factors for the country is its attractive tax regime and low barriers to entry for both businesses and individuals. The country has lower tax rates than South Africa, a broad network of double taxation avoidance agreements, and tax incentives offered to foreign investors. It has been on a drive to attract major foreign investment, and it is paying off. V.4821

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Home Affairs, please bring my husband home, pleads distressed SA man

Johannesburg, Frustrated with what they call “extreme delays” at the Department of Home Affairs (HA), a South African/Chinese couple took to social media to cast a spotlight on a five-year wait for them to finally live together as a family. However, HA hit back, saying it was only able to resume permanent residence applications in 2022 after Covid-19 travel restrictions eased around the world. But this is of little to no comfort to the couple who were married in South Africa in 2017 and are still living apart. V.4822

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SA urgently needs artisans

South African matriculants must qualify as artisans to meet the country’s economic needs for new infrastructure, maintenance and the switch to green energy. According to the latest quarterly publication of Remchannel, a company that, among other things, conducts salary surveys, there is already an acute shortage of young artisans in the country. A poll conducted among 565 participants showed that, among those aged 25 and under, only 0.6% were qualified artisans. In the 25 to 30 age group, the figure was 26.7%, and was 40.7% for those aged between 36 and 55. V.4823

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These are the artisans SA so desperately needs to grow the economy

The average age of artisans in the country is about 55 years. • South Africa does not only have a shortage of artisans, but the average age of artisans in the country is about 55 years old. • Gone are the days when you needed a university degree to enjoy a successful career. • The focus is on training young people in key areas regarded as critically needed for the economy to grow. South Africa does not only have a shortage of artisans, but the average age of artisans in the country is about 55 years, according to data available on the website of the False Bay Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) College. V.4824

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These are the artisans SA so desperately needs to grow the economy

The average age of artisans in the country is about 55 years. • South Africa does not only have a shortage of artisans, but the average age of artisans in the country is about 55 years old. • Gone are the days when you needed a university degree to enjoy a successful career. • The focus is on training young people in key areas regarded as critically needed for the economy to grow. South Africa does not only have a shortage of artisans, but the average age of artisans in the country is about 55 years, according to data available on the website of the False Bay Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) College. V.4825

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Solutions to skills crisis evade only the government

The inertia in the face of excellent offers of help is just baffling SA has an unemployment crisis. It also has a skills crisis. This toxic combination is slowly poisoning the economy and raising the risk of a democracy-threatening social explosion. The proportion of South Africans with no hope for a better future and little to lose has probably already reached the tipping point. All of the above is trite, hardly a day goes by without some or other political analyst or business leader warning that we are “on the precipice”. The solutions to the unemployment crisis are no secret either. But they demand political will, and that is evidently in short supply. It is also not a crisis that can be resolved in a hurry, even with all the will in the world. V.4815

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South Africa one step closer to rolling out a remote working visa, says Home Affairs

The government is on track to roll out a remote working visa but the Department of Home Affairs has not given a date for its full implementation. The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) says it will meet a June deadline to specify requirements for remote working visas. The department was briefing the Western Cape legislature on remote visas on Wednesday, 3 May. During the briefing, the department’s Nischal Jaynarayan said a “comprehensive” report on the review of the work visa system had recently been handed over to the Presidency by former DHA director-general Mavuso Msimang, who was tasked in 2022 by President Cyril Ramaphosa to review of the visa system. In his State of the Nation Address (Sona) in February 2022, the president said the review was V.4816

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Our lives are on the verge of ruin, say Zim Exemption Permit holders as termination draws near

The permits, which grant temporary legal status to Zimbabwean nationals living in South Africa, will be terminated on 30 June. There are about 178,000 holders of the permits. With less than two months before the South African government terminates the Zimbabwean Exemption Permits, gloom and despair have set in for the permit holders and their families. In January 2022, the Cabinet decided that the ZEP arrangement had to be terminated by 31 December 2022, and applicants should apply for other visa regimes for which they qualify, or for a waiver of certain requirements of the visas they apply for to retain their legal status in South Africa. V.4817

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SA needs to invest in nurses to avoid a healthcare catastrophe

Life Healthcare has the capacity to train 3,000 a year, but the bureaucrats will simply not listen Nurses hold candles in honour of nurses who died during the Covid-19 pandemic at at the Nursing Council offices in Pretoria in this file photo. Picture: VELI NHLAPO From the rising costs of diesel used to offset load-shedding, to difficult working conditions and the increasing effect of inflation, SA’s healthcare sector is facing a multitude of challenges. But one of the biggest issues is undoubtedly the lack of critical human resources, specifically healthcare workers, who keep hospitals and facilities functioning. V.4818

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New visas and e-Visa countries for South Africa

The Department of Home Affairs has committed to finalising the implementation of new visa types in June of this year, with the State Law Advisor approval process already underway. In its annual performance plan for 2023/24, published in April, the department made it clear that the groundwork for new visas was being laid. In the plan, Home Affairs minister Aaron Motsoaledi said that the department is currently exploring new visa categories, including start-up visas and remote working visas. V.4813

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Western Cape concerned about high rejection rate of e-visas

Over half of e-visa applications are rejected, because they were not processed in time The poor performance of the department of home affairs in the issuance of e-visas is of great concern to Western Cape finance & economic opportunities minister Mireille Wenger, who says this hampers tourism recovery in the country. She noted on Wednesday that according to a presentation made by the department in the National Council of Provinces, 58% (3,697) of failed e-visa applications totalling 6,329 were rejected because the date of travel had already passed. V.4814

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Teen’s struggle for birth certificate among thousands

At least 500 000 children, under the age of 18 in South Africa don’t have birth certificates. Wanda Booi, who just turned 19, knows the struggle and the frustration of bureaucratic red tape to get an ID without a birth certificate all too well. Since 2021, Department of Home Affairs and social workers have promised to assist Booi after his mother died, yet nothing has materialised. His sister, Khanyisa Booi, 22, takes care of the teen after their mother died. “My grandmother also tried, since we are using the same surname but still no one can assist us,” she said. She said this whole issue affected different aspects of her brother’s life. “We had to speak to his teacher for admission. However, they still want his birth certificate. Wanda is still doing Grade 10, we can`t do anything without his birth certificate. V.4810

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Couple wanting to live together separated by Home Affairs delays

A gay couple is being forced to live on different continents since the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has allegedly failed to process a permanent residence permit application submitted two years ago. Francois Oosthuizen, a South African from Cape Town, who is married to Bowen Li from China, said he was heartbroken and frustrated by being separated from his husband and their 4-year-old son born via surrogacy on Valentine’s Day in South Africa. He said it was difficult for him to wake up every morning knowing that his family was thousands of kilometres away. V.4811

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SOUTH AFRICA, Radiological Report and Police Record Waivers

The South African Department of Home Affairs has issued a new directive providing relief to visa and permit applicants from April 11, 2023. It does not apply to those with applications which have already been filed and are currently under adjudication. Previously, applicants for long-term temporary residence visas (“TRVs”) and permanent residence permits (“PRPs”) had to submit police clearance certificates (“PCCs”) from all countries resided in for 12 months or more since their 18th birthday, they are now only required to submit PCCs from all countries they resided in for 12 months or more, since having attained the age of 18, in the five years immediately preceding the date of submission of their application. V.4812

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ZEP expiry: Many permit holders intend to stay in SA until very last minute - Zimbabwean ambassador

No Zimbabwean citizen has approached their government for assistance in being repatriated back home before their Zimbabwean Exemption Permits (ZEP) expire, the country`s ambassador to South Africa has said. V.4809

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Home Affairs re-opens Cape Town`s Refugee Reception Office

Since 2012, refugee rights groups had been embroiled in legal battles with the Department of Home Affairs to have the Cape Town office re-opened. CAPE TOWN - After a decade of back-and-forth court battles, the Department of Home Affairs finally re-opened its Cape Town Refugee Reception Office. Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi officially opened the doors of the new office in Epping on Tuesday. This means that refugees and asylum seekers in Cape Town will not have to go to Pretoria, Durban, Eastern Cape or Musina to get their papers in order. V.4808

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Home Affairs rejects almost 9 000 ‘refugees’ in 12 months

Cape Town - The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) processed 10 643 newcomer asylum applications in five refugee reception centres during the 2022/23 financial year, and rejected 8 948 of them, Minister Aaron Motsoaledi revealed in Parliament. Although lobby groups are pushing against what they deem to be anti-foreigner sentiment from the DHA, a city activist grouping says Motsoaledi’s figures were slightly down from last year. The term “refugees” refers to people who have fled wars or persecution, while “asylum seekers” describes people who claim to be refugees but whose claim has not been reviewed. DA MP Adrian Roos asked Motsoaledi for the number of newcomer asylum applications processed for each refugee reception centre in the previous financial year, and how many were rejected as “unfounded”, “manifestly unfounded”, and those granted. V.4805

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Australia unveils direct pathway to citizenship for New Zealanders

SYDNEY, April 22 (Reuters) - Australia announced on Saturday a direct pathway to citizenship for New Zealanders living in the country, reversing controversial visa rules a day before a visit by New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins. Hipkins, set to visit Queensland state`s capital Brisbane on Sunday, hailed the move as `the biggest improvement in the rights of New Zealanders living in Australia in a generation`. The changes, effective from July, meant New Zealand citizens living in Australia for four years or more could apply for citizenship without having to become permanent residents first, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said in a statement. `We know that many New Zealanders are here on a Special Category Visa while raising families, working and building their lives in Australia. So I am proud to offer the benefits that citizenship provides,` Albanese added. V.4806

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I’m officially a South African: joy of Limpopo man who’s battled to get an ID for 10 years

For years his life was in limbo. He struggled to get a job, couldn’t get a driver’s licence and he wasn’t able to get married all because he wasn’t recognised as a South African citizen. Tebogo Khoza (26) was born in South Africa but he had nothing to prove it. For almost a decade he’s battled to show he is who he says he is and finally he has the precious piece of paper that will allow him to get on with his life. The North Gauteng high court in Pretoria recently ruled the department of home affairs should register him as a South African and issue him with an identity document. The first step was giving him a birth certificate and when he received it he could hardly believe his eyes. V.4807

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Italy narrows asylum rights in new clampdown on immigration

Italy`s nationalist government approved a bill in the upper house of parliament on Thursday that aims to reduce the number of migrants who can claim some form of asylum and curb integration efforts. Italy‘s nationalist government approved a bill in the upper house of parliament on Thursday that aims to reduce the number of migrants who can claim some form of asylum and curb integration efforts. The bill, which still needs the approval of the lower house to become law, was drawn up after a shipwreck off southern Italy in February that killed more than 90 migrants. V.4804

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Refugees camping outside of UN offices in Pretoria refuse to leave despite eviction order

A group of refugees camping outside the UN High Commissioner for Refugees` (UNHCR) offices in Pretoria. (Photo by Gallo Images/Luba Lesolle) • Around 100 refugees have been camping outside of the UNHCR offices in Pretoria since May 2022. • The Gauteng High Court in Pretoria has ordered their eviction and relocation, which was meant to be executed on Wednesday. • However, several of the refugees have said they would not leave without a fight. A group of refugees camping outside the UN High Commissioner for Refugees` (UNHCR) offices in Pretoria have signalled their intention to fight against being evicted. The group of around 100 refugees have been living on the pavements, in tents and makeshift structures, outside the offices since May 2022. V.4803

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Home Affairs must fix branch appointment booking system

DA MP says public are still required to wait in long queues despite confirmation of appointments DA urges Home Affairs to fix branch appointment booking system Last year, the Department of Home Affairs launched the Branch Appointment Booking System (BABS), a new appointment booking system for smart ID cards and passports, that was designed to reduce long queues at various Home Affairs offices across the country. The DA supported the initiative when it was revealed back in September 2021 because it was something we previously proposed to help reduce the long queues at Home Affairs offices. V.4801

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South Africa announces overhaul of its work visa system as part of a $110 bn plan

South Africa has announced plans of overhauling its work visa system as part of an effort to raise $110 billion of investment by 2028. Addressing the fifth SA Investment Conference, South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa said the government would streamline application requirements to reduce the time frames for obtaining a work visa. “We will introduce a Trusted Employer Scheme for qualifying companies and establish a points-based system to provide more flexible pathways for applicants, in line with global best practice,” Ramaphosa said. V.4802

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Zimbabwean migrants are part of South Africa`s fabric

The termination of the Zimbabwe Exemption Permit would damage South Africa’s reputation as a human rights leader in the region. A migrant worker is detained by South Africa Police Services officers after being stopped at a check point during an operation with the Home Affairs Immigration officers, September 22, 2022 [File: Marco Longari/AFP] From April 11 to 14, a full bench of the Pretoria High Court heard an application to set aside the termination of the Zimbabwe Exemption Permit (ZEP), a special facility allowing 178,421 holders temporary legal status to live, work, conduct business and study in South Africa. In April 2009, South Africa established the Dispensation of Zimbabwean Permit (DZP) to regularise the status of thousands of Zimbabwean nationals who had fled political and economic instability in their country, mostly between 2007 and 2009. ry. V.4798

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African billionaire migration affecting job creation - wealth report

Mauritius is one of the top 10 African countries with the most millionaires. • There are 52 African-born billionaires globally, and only 23 of them still live on the continent, according to the Henley & Partners Africa Wealth Report for 2023. • There are 138 000 American dollar millionaires, 23 billionaires, and 328 people worth more than a hundred million in Africa. • South Africa, Egypt, Nigeria, Kenya, and Morocco account for 56% of Africa`s high-net-worth individuals. African billionaires are migrating, affecting the ability of countries on the continent to create employment, according to the Henley & Partners Africa Wealth Report for 2023. The report noted that there were 52 African-born billionaires on the globe and that only 23 of them still lived on African soil, but not necessarily in their home countries V.4799

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Amid economic hardships, investors see opportunity in South Africa

The South African economy has had its roughest downturn over the last three years, and despite ranking fairly well against fellow emerging economies in the BRICS block, the persisting challenges continue to threaten hopes of a thriving economy. These rough times the economy is experiencing has also seen business withholding capital and some redirecting it to stabilizing operations by investing in alternative power supplies instead of expansions. Previously when the same businesses were withholding capital, it was termed “investment strike” as the capital was not being redirected but simply withheld in a ‘wait and see’ silent protest. Both scenarios have the same impact but this time the money is being invested in a different sector of the same economy. V.4800

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ZEP: no rights were taken away, Home Affairs’ lawyers tell court

Government is free to change the policy The government is free to change the policy on the Zimbabwean Exemption Permit, lawyers for the Minister of Home Affairs have argued in court. • No rights will be taken away when the Zimbabwean Exemption Permit (ZEP) system comes to an end in June, lawyers for the Minister of Home Affairs told the Pretoria High Court on Wednesday. • The court is hearing an application by the Helen Suzman Foundation and the Consortium for Refugees and Migrants in South Africa to have the minister set aside the decision. • Advocate Ismail Jamie said rights that were temporarily conferred in the first place had been allowed to lapse through the passage of time. • He said it would be impractical to expect the government to have consulted 178,000 ZEP holders. The lapsing of the Zimbabwean Exemption Permit (ZEP) system was a political decision by the Minister of Home Affairs, and does not take away the rights of ZEP holders, the government has argued in court. V.4793

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Investment conference: Businesses pledged R1.5 trillion in 5 years, 26% more than target

President Cyril Ramaphosa at the investment conference in Johannesburg on Thursday. Photo: SA Investment Conference/Twitter South Africa attracted R1.51 trillion of new investment pledges over the past five years, 26% more than a target set in 2018, president Cyril Ramaphosa said. New commitments made at an investment conference in Johannesburg on Thursday include those from companies including mobile-phone company Vodacom, miner Anglo American and brewer Heineken, Ramaphosa said at a closing ceremony. Key investment pledges on Thursday: Ramaphosa set a target of attracting R2 trillion of new investment in the next five years, as executives pleaded with his government to urgently address the nation’s energy crisis, fix crumbling infrastructure and end rampant crime. V.4794

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Sun International says SA is scoring `own goal` with overly complex visa regime

The Palace at Sun City Resort which is owned by Sun International. The company said SA should simplify its visa requirements for foreign travellers to boost tourism. • Sun International says SA should fix its visa regime and make it easier for foreign visitors to come to the country. • The owner of Sun City believes a simplification would result in a surge in tourism and help address the country`s dismal unemployment problem. • There is particularly potential to attract tourists from China, which has about 140 million outbound travellers a year. Sun International says SA is `scoring a couple of own goals` if it does not simplify its visa regime for foreign visitors. Graham Wood, COO of the company, which owns Sun City along with other top hotels and casinos, said on Wednesday if SA allowed visas on entry - instead of forcing potential visitors to have to apply for them in their home countries - there was potential for the `floodgate to open`. V.4795

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Now is not the time to give up on SA, Anglo American CEO

• Anglo American CEO Duncan Wanblad says that while SA is not the country it was in 2018, it is still offers value to investors. • But business needs to help and fix it right now. • Top of the agenda are the energy crisis, the logistics crisis and crime and corruption. SA is still investible, and while times are tough, this is not the time to give up, Anglo American CEO Duncan Wanblad said on the eve of President Cyril Ramaphosa`s fifth investment conference. The SA Investment Conference will hear investment pledges by local and international firms towards a new investment target, which will be announced on Thursday. V.4796

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Speed needed to overhaul current visa regime, says WC Economic Opportunities

This comes after President Cyril Ramaphosa`s announcement about a significant overhaul of the work visa system which is expected to provide a further boost to investment. CAPE TOWN - Western Cape`s Finance and Economic Opportunities MEC, Mireille Wenger said much more speed was needed in overhauling the current visa regime. This follows President Cyril Ramaphosa`s announcement about a significant overhaul of the work visa system, which is expected to provide a further boost to investment. Ramaphosa was speaking at the fifth South Africa Investment Conference in Sandton on Thursday. The process includes introducing new visa categories for remote workers and start-ups and expanding the e-Visa system to include an additional 20 countries over and above the 14 that are currently eligible. V.4797

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Common South Africa Visa Mistakes to Avoid

Table of Contents • Introduction: • The importance of avoiding visa pitfalls • Visa Errors frequently made by South African Visa Applicants o Lack of proper documentation o Examples of missing or incomplete documents for South Africa o Providing false information o Examples of providing false information: o Applying for the wrong type of visa • How to avoid errors with your South Africa Visa The purpose of this article is to provide helpful information and tips to individuals who are planning to travel or live in South Africa and need to obtain a visa. Specifically, the article will focus on common visa mistakes that travellers make when applying for a visa to South Africa. There are many South Africa Visa types, so you need to know what you are doing. V.4787

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Motsoaledi failed to apply his mind to ending Zimbabwe special permits, court told

Helen Suzman Foundation argues holders ‘abided by the law for 14 years and had built lives in SA’ Home affairs minister Aaron Motsoaledi did not consider the harmful effects of his decision to end the Zimbabwe exemption permit (ZEP) regime, the high court in Pretoria heard on Tuesday. On that basis alone his decision was unlawful, said Steven Budlender, counsel for the Helen Suzman Foundation (HSF). The court was hearing three separate applications on the special permits, which had allowed about 178,000 Zimbabweans to lawfully live in SA since 2009. The permits, due to expire at the end of June, were first introduced in response to a political and economic crisis in Zimbabwe that created an exodus to SA. The permit regime was twice extended in 2014 and 2017 but the government says it was always clear that the permits were temporary. V.4788

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Home Affairs in the dock over termination of ZEP system

Challenges to SA’s decision to end the Zimbabwean Exemption Permit system are now being heard in court. One of the most important human rights cases of recent decades got underway in the Pretoria High Court on Tuesday, with no fewer than four separate cases challenging Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi’s decision to terminate the Zimbabwean Exemption Permit (ZEP) system. First to the podium was the Helen Suzman Foundation (HSF), represented by Advocate Steven Budlender, which is asking a full bench of three judges to set aside Motsoaledi’s November 2021 decision as unlawful, unconstitutional and invalid. V.4789

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Motsoaledi`s decision on Zimbabwean Exemption Permit does not take rights away, court hears

Minister of Home Affairs, Aaron Motsoaledi Photo: Tebogo Letsie • The Helen Suzman Foundation has gone to court to challenge Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi`s decision to terminate the Zimbabwean Exemption Permit. • The permit allows around 178 000 Zimbabwean nationals to live and work in South Africa. • The court heard on Wednesday that Motsoaledi`s decision did not take the rights away from permit holders but conferred them. Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi`s decision not to create a further exemption programme for around 178 000 Zimbabwean nationals living in South Africa does not take away their rights - it confers them. This was one of the arguments by Motsoaledi and the Department of Home Affairs` director-general in a court challenge by the Helen Suzman Foundation which is being heard in the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria. V.4790

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ZEP discontinuation: Judgement reserved in Helen Suzman Foundation’s challenge

The ZEP allows Zimbabweans to live and work in South Africa and has been in place in various forms since 2009. JOHANNESBURG - Judgment has been reserved in the Helen Suzman Foundation’s challenge against the discontinuation of the Zimbabwean Exemption Permit (ZEP) programme. The ZEP allows Zimbabweans to live and work in South Africa and has been in place in various forms since 2009. But Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi decided to discontinue the ZEP. The decision has been met with widespread backlash and is currently the subject of multiple court challenges. V.4791

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Zimbabwean permit: High Court considers if Motsoaledi`s decision is irrational or executive action

The Helen Suzman Foundation has gone to court to challenge Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi`s decision to terminate the Zimbabwean Exemption Permit. The permit allows around 178 000 Zimbabwean nationals to live and work in South Africa. Arguments were based on whether the decision was administrative or executive and if it was procedurally unfair and irrational. Was the decision not to renew the Zimbabwean Exemption Permit (ZEP) an administrative or executive action or was it irrational, antithetical to the Constitution and procedurally unfair? These are some of the questions that a full bench of the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria will seek to answer before delivering judgment in a case relating to the effective termination of the ZEP. V.4792

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This South African city ranks as a top global holiday destination, thanks to a weaker rand

As demand for international holiday travel returns to pre-Covid levels, the city of Cape Town was ranked the world’s best-value hotspot thanks to a weaker rand in 2023. This is according to the United Kingdom Post Office Travel Money’s Holiday Travel Report 2023, which ranked over 40 popular destinations based on currency demand, exchange rates, and travel costs. “Demand for holidays abroad is close to pre-pandemic levels, according to tour operators, travel agents and airlines who have reported a boom in bookings,” the report said. Despite the cost of living pressures affecting many countries worldwide, the report noted that Britons are prepared to forgo other lifestyle expenditures to afford a holiday abroad, and many will dip into their savings to fund the trip. The first indicator of where these holidaymakers will travel is shown in the UK post office’s sales of holiday currencies, as well as the pound’s strength against the destination countries. V.4782

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New case deals with ‘life partners’ and maintenance in South Africa

A recent case had to determine whether there was a duty of support between life partners after the termination of their relationship. Legal experts Brigitta Mangale and Elgene Roos from Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr said that South Africa’s law has had to adjust to acknowledge non-traditional nuclear families through legal recognition of various different forms of a committed relationship. In February this year, in the case of E.W v V.H the Western Cape High Court was tasked with answering the question as to what legal consequences flow from a life partnership. Facts. V.4783

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South Africa’s birth registration system challenged over ‘unconstitutional’ requirements

South African human rights organization the Legal Resources Center (LRC) has initiated a legal challenge against the country’s Department of Home Affairs over the what it says are cumbersome requirements for establishing birth certificates for children born in the country. The LRC, acting on behalf of 17 parents, last year, filed an application at the Cape Town High Court challenging the Birth and Death registration Act regulations as anti-constitutional, according to reporting by Mail & Guardian. Home Affairs is opposing the application. V.4784

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New deal for children with foreign parents born in South Africa

The Constitutional Court recently ruled that children born in South Africa to foreign parents qualify for South African citizenship in terms of Section 2 of the South African Citizenship Act. That is, if you were born in South Africa to foreign parents who have not been admitted as permanent residents, you qualify to apply for South African citizenship upon becoming a major if your birth was registered and if you have lived here all your life, irrespective of the date of your birth and you have not accepted the nationality of another country. The judgment also reduced the term for applying for citizenship by holders of permanent residence from 5 years to 10 years by declaring Regulation 3(2)(a) of the Citizenship Act Regulations unconstitutional. V.4785

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What`s new in global immigration?

This week, the Global Immigration team at Smith Stone Walters would like to highlight the following recent updates from Australia, Canada, Denmark, Greece, Malaysia, South Africa and the United States. Australia: Skilled Work Regional Visa Candidates living and/or working in metropolitan Melbourne can now submit a registration of Interest (ROI) for the Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491) nomination. The new expanded eligibility criteria opens Victoria’s subclass 491 visa program to skilled migrants living anywhere in Victoria, including previously ineligible metropolitan Melbourne residents who wish to relocate to work and live in a designated regional area of Victoria. V.4786

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Helen Suzman Foundation and Another v Minister of Home Affairs and Another, Q & A

1. What is at issue in this case and when will it be heard? At issue in this case is Minister of Home Affairs, Aaron Motsoaledi’s (Minister) decision to terminate the Zimbabwean Exemption Permit (ZEP). If the Minister’s decision is upheld, the ZEP will terminate on 30 June 2023. The case will be heard between 11 and 14 April 2023 by a full bench of the Pretoria High Court. 2. What is the ZEP? The ZEP is a special permit issued in terms of the Immigration Act that allows its approximately 178 000 holders, and their children, temporary legal status to live, work and study in South Africa. It is the third iteration of a permit that began back in 2009 as the ‘Dispensation for Zimbabweans Project’ (DZP), which the South African government introduced to cope with an influx of undocumented Zimbabweans fleeing political violence around 2008. The DZP was renewed as the Zimbabwe Special Permit. V.4774

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Spain to invest R42bn in South Africa`s energy transition, water projects

Spain plans to back South Africa`s energy transition with R42 billion. Getty Images • Spain plans to back South Africa`s energy transition and water needs with R42 billion in funding. • The Spanish funding is a mixture of financial instruments, from development finance institutions. • This funding is not part of the Just Energy Transition Partnership in which $8.5 billion was initially pledged. Spain is providing €2.1 billion (R42 billion) to help fund South Africa`s energy transition and water needs, even as some of the world`s richest nations struggle to push forward on a ground-breaking climate-finance initiative with the country. V.4775

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Business Leadership SA says visa systems could affect economy

Business Leadership South Africa believes our country’s visa application systems need a major overhaul in order to attract investment. Cape Town - Business Leadership South Africa (BLSA) has issued a warning that the current visa application systems in the country could stifle the economy. This comes after BLSA CEO Busi Mavuso said they had been working hard with government to fix South Africa’s current visa regime. Mavuso said they felt like they are making very little progress, because some 56 000 foreigners working or intending to work in South Africa were facing having their visas cancelled at the end of March, purely because Home Affairs has been unable to process their applications. V.4776

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Attack kills around 20 in eastern Congo; Islamic State claims responsibility

Islamic State on Saturday claimed responsibility for an attack on a village in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo that authorities said killed around 20 people. Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack in a statement on its Telegram channel. The attack, which took place on Friday in Musandaba, a village on the outskirts of Beni, is part of a wave of violence against civilians that the army and local authorities blame on the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a Ugandan group based in eastern Congo that has pledged allegiance to Islamic State. V.4777

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Dear foreigners, this is how you buy a property in South Africa

Despite South Africa’s political turmoil and energy crisis, there is still significant interest from international property buyers who are drawn by the country’s inimitable lifestyle and the fact that that they can get considerably more bang for their buck here than in comparable areas abroad. The favourable value of the Rand compared to major foreign currencies also makes residential real estate in South Africa a very attractive investment option, says Grahame Diedericks, Midrand manager principal for Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty. “In South Africa, foreign investors are spoilt for choice with a wide variety of lifestyle options, from luxury beachfront living to mountainous retreats which include numerous internationally acclaimed and award-winning destinations.” V.4778

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A sorry state of (home) affairs

Department dismisses slow progress on visa overhaul with obfuscation and bluster, putting the economy at further risk Despite recent announcements that the department of home affairs has plans in place to correct its poor performance, fears remain that it is on the same slippery slope as many other SA government functions. The general decline in the public sector’s ability to actually deliver public services is hitting citizens, investors, tourists, and the economy as a whole. Worse, a failure of key departments such as home affairs along with national utilities and other services signals to the world that SA is on track to become a failed state. V.4779

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Pretoria High Court To Hear Challenge Against Termination Of Zimbabwe

From 11 to 14 April 2023, the Pretoria High Court will hear three applications challenging the termination of the Zimbabwean Exemption Permit (ZEP) by the Minister of Home Affairs. One of these cases is called the “Helen Suzman Foundation and Another v Minister of Home Affairs and Another.” 1. What is at issue in this case and when will it be heard? The case is about the Minister of Home Affairs’ decision to end the Zimbabwean Exemption Permit (ZEP) by June 30, 2023. The Pretoria High Court will hear the case from April 11-14, 2023. 2. What is the ZEP? V.4780

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Why is South Africa not renewing 160,000 Zimbabwean work permits?

On Tuesday, a South African court will decide if thousands of Zimbabweans can stay back in the country or face possible deportation. Cape Town, South Africa Thousands of Zimbabweans living in South Africa face an uncertain future and possible deportation before a June 2023 expiration of their work permits, following an announcement by the home government last year that there will be no extension. *Matilda Tebogo (not her real name), a 35-year-old shopkeeper, says she is stressed and nervous about what lies ahead for her and her family. The Zimbabwean national has been living and working in Cape Town for more than 10 years under the Zimbabwe Extension Permit (ZEP) scheme. V.4781

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Man jailed for illegally dealing in rhino horn to be deported to China after serving sentence

Shuihau Chen, 50, appeared in the Kempton Park District Court on Tuesday. A man arrested for illegally dealing rhino horns has been sentenced to a R500 000 fine or five years` imprisonment and ordered to be deported to China after serving his sentence. V.4771

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South Korea to allow online permit-free entry for tourists from 22 nations

South Korea will temporarily exempt people from 22 visa-waiver nations from mandatory online travel permits and transit visa requirements as part of efforts to attract more foreign tourists and boost domestic demand, the Finance Ministry said on Wednesday. These are a set of measures aimed at attracting 10 million foreign tourists this year, a goal that could help spur private spending and revitalize the economy amid an economic slowdown, Yonhap News Agency quoted the Ministry as saying. The number of foreign visitors to South Korea hit a record high of 17.5 million in 2019, generating tourism revenue of $20.7-billion, according to data compiled by the Korea Tourism Organisation. V.4772

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Spain to invest R42bn in South Africa`s energy transition, water projects

Spain is providing €2.1 billion (R42 billion) to help fund South Africa`s energy transition and water needs, even as some of the world`s richest nations struggle to push forward on a ground-breaking climate-finance initiative with the country. The Spanish funding is being provided through a mixture of financial instruments, with the country`s government working with its development finance institution, Cofides, and South Africa`s Industrial Development Corporation, said Ambassador Raimundo Robredo Rubio. V.4773

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Changes to marriage laws in South Africa, what to expect this year

The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) says it will submit the updated Marriage Bill to Cabinet this year, with the goal of obtaining approval to table the proposed laws in Parliament in 2024. The DHA has presented its latest annual performance plan for 2023/24, which outlines the department’s plans for the year. Over the next 12 months, the draft laws are expected to be approved for submission to the minister by the end of June, with various clusters and committees giving recommendations by the end of the year. By March 2024 the department hopes to have the necessary cabinet approval to table the draft bill to Parliament. V.4766

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Rising property trend among wealthy in SA, apartment living

The 2023 Wealth Report said when it came to price growth, luxury apartments have been the best-performing residential property segment in the country over the past decade. ZambeziShark • The 2023 Wealth Report says apartment living is on the rise for the wealthy in South Africa. • Johannesburg and Cape Town have the top luxury apartments in the country, but Umhlanga, Plettenberg Bay and Hermanus are also on their way up. South Africa is home to almost twice as many high-net-worth individuals as any other country on the African continent, according to a new wealth report, and there is an interesting trend on the rise where they are increasingly investing in luxury apartments. V.4767

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New visas planned for South Africa

The Department of Home Affairs says it has started laying the groundwork for new visa types to be introduced in South Africa, in a bid to draw in skilled workers. The department has published its 2023/24 annual performance plan, which includes its intentions and targets for the current financial year. In the plan, Home Affairs minister Aaron Motsoaledi said that the department is currently exploring new visa categories, including start-up visas and remote working visas. V.4768

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Government claims long queues at Home Affairs will soon be ‘thing of the past’

Officials reported that they were working on backlogs, but didn`t elaborate on how. Waking at 3am just to secure a spot somewhere in the front of the queue at one of South Africa’s Home Affairs offices will soon be a thing of the past, according to the Department of Home Affairs. The department said it is working to eliminate the terrible experience that many citizens have had to endure throughout the years. But, it has yet to reveal a detailed strategy on how it plans to do this. V.4769

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Australia’s Department of Home Affairs struggling with outdated IT systems

A leaked report from a private consulting firm paints a dire picture of the IT operations of the Department of Home Affairs. The report, by Proximity Consultants, was written between December 2021 and February 2022. The details of the report were first shared at an audit committee hearing on Friday, 31 March. “The financial underpinnings to support the resolution of critical policy and operational issues have not been available,” the report read, as reported by the SMH. “Functions and priorities were never right-sized or funded appropriately from the outset.” V.4770

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Home Affairs underfunded, overstretched and ‘set up to fail’, says leaked report

Home Affairs’ cyber systems are vulnerable to hacking and frontline officers are not properly trained, according to a damning internal report that says chronic underfunding has undermined the department’s ability to keep Australia safe. The leaked confidential review into the mega department responsible for national security, cyber defence and foreign interference among other areas revealed the department lost 600 employees in a year and more than $2 billion in cost-cutting has stopped it from hiring enough staff. The probe into the agency’s budget, conducted by consulting and legal firm Proximity between December 2021 and February 2022, interviewed dozens of top brass including the agency’s secretary Mike Pezullo, who has run the department since its inception. V.4763

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Caught up in Home Affairs disfunction

SA’s visa administration problems are well recognised as a serious impediment to our economy, says BLSA CEO. BLSA has been working hard with government to fix our visa regime. But last week, I felt like we were making very little progress at all. Some 56 000 foreigners working or intending to work in South Africa were facing having their visas cancelled at the end of March, purely because Home Affairs has been unable to process their applications. They were given a last-minute reprieve two days before the deadline extending the validity of their existing status until the end of the year. This is appalling. People’s lives are thrown into turmoil, unable to know whether they would be allowed to stay in the country many consider home. More to the point, it presents an impossible situation for business. V.4764

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Ramaphosa must urgently solve visa mess, says BLSA

SA has significant deficits in areas like technical skills. A major overhaul of South Africa`s visa regime is needed, and during his upcoming investment conference, President Cyril Ramaphosa should address the issue, according to Business Leadership SA (BLSA). `The president could use the opportunity to announce a credible intervention to fix the visa mess. That would go far to addressing one of the major sources of a lack of confidence in South Africa`s investment case,` the BLSA says in its latest newsletter. V.4765

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Alberton Home Affairs on the application of IDs

Alberton Home Affairs weighs in on how to apply for a first-time ID book as a naturalised citizen and permanent residence permit holder. Alberton Home Affairs has confirmed that those born outside the country are issued with green bar-coded identity books and should go to specific home affairs offices for assistance. South African citizens are issued smart ID cards when they apply for an identity document. Should you lose, damage or have your ID book stolen, you can request a Temporary Identification Certificate (TIC). V.4761

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Visa chaos in South Africa

People willing and wanting to work in South Africa are being held back by failing visa services which is having damaging knock-on effects on business and economic growth in the country, says Busi Mavuso, the CEO of Business Leadership South Africa (BLSA) In her weekly letter, Mavuso said that roughly 56,000 foreigners were facing having their visas cancelled at the end of March because the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) could not process their applications. V.4762

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Adrian Gore, My view on SA remains unchanged: We need action, not despair

Business has identified three clear priority areas and initiatives to get things off the ground. These areas are energy, railways, ports, roads and corruption and crime. Adrian Gore writes that he has a deep belief in the potential of our country and it is clear to him that this is not a time for pessimism, despair and inaction. He argues that, on the contrary, we are in desperate need of optimism, hope and action. Right now, times are tough for every South African. Every person I speak to is concerned and despairing; there is a deep sense of futility. V.4759

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The country is undeniably better off than it was five years ago

The removal of Jacob Zuma gave the country and critical state institutions a fighting chance to recover. The fight is not over and not all enablers have left, but the country is undeniably better off than it was five years ago, argues JP Landman. A young friend expressed her dismay about what she had seen and read in the media since the release of the final part of the Zondo Commission`s report. With the recent avalanche of bad news about rising food, petrol prices, and interest rate costs, the commission had given her some hope. However, the responses she had heard and read in our media made her feel that hope was in vain, or even naïve. V.4760

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First Chinese group a step towards ambitious goal

South Africa has officially welcomed its first large group of leisure tourists from China post-COVID, setting the ball rolling on the industry’s goal of reaching one million annual arrivals from the Asian powerhouse by 2030. The group of 13 tourists, along with their tour guide, flew from the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen on Air China flight CA867, touching down to a jubilant welcome at OR Tambo International Airport at 07h47 on Wednesday. The high-end tourists clients of Chinese travel agency GZL International Travel were greeted by dignitaries from, amongst others, South African Tourism, the Chinese consulate and the Gauteng Tourism Authority, and South African and Chinese media. V.4758

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Over 12,000 Asylum Seekers Permitted to Work in Ireland Since 2018

More than 12,000 asylum seekers have been allowed to work in Ireland since new changes in EU legislation were introduced in 2018. Authorities in Ireland opted into European Union legislation of 2018 permitting persons who seek international protection in this country to have access to the Labour market after the Supreme court ruled that it was unconstitutional to stop them from working, SchengenVisaInfo.com report. When it comes to this legislation, Ireland was the last European Union country to accept this decision. V.4756

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Home Affairs’ last-minute move extends concession for 56,000 foreign residents until end of the year

The Department of Home Affairs has yet again issued a last-minute reprieve, extending a blanket concession for long-term visa or waiver applicants awaiting decisions on their applications. The holders of the long-term visas can now legally remain in South Africa until 31 December 2023, although the lateness of the decision 48-hours before these visa holders technically expire has drawn sharp criticism. The directive was issued this morning to the Home Affairs head office and the Department of International Relations and Cooperation’s Consular Services and Visa Facilitation Centres (VFS) to communicate this decision. V.4757

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OPINION, Bernard Chiguvare: I left Zimbabwe to live in SA. I want to go back. This is why it’s hard

Many South Africans wonder why so many of us Zimbabweans came to be settled in their country, and wonder why we do not simply return to our homeland. This is my story about my rural homestead in Zimbabwe that I felt forced to leave. I would like to go back and spend the rest of my life there, but it isn’t that simple. From the early 1960s, I lived in Buhera District in Manicaland Province. I have a deep bond with this place, even though the soil is today very poor for farming. In 1987 I got married. My uncle allocated me three hectares to build a family homestead. I was earning a salary that allowed me to immediately build a three-bedroomed house and also a small rondavel. Though my wish was to build a better home, I had limited resources. V.4755

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