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Biometric machines yet to arrive

Source: Tourism Update, 29/09/2015

The biometric data machines have not yet arrived at the South African
consulates in Russia, India and China.

South African embassies in China, India and Russia have not received
any biometric machines and are not sure when they will be delivered.
Tourism Update established as much when contacting the embassies this
week.

Under the country`s immigration regulations, tourists who require
visas to travel to South Africa are required to make visa applications
in person to facilitate the intake of biometric data.

The SA consulate in China requires travellers to apply for a visa in
person, however the consulate in India said travellers could apply for
a visa in person or through a travel agent.

Mayihlome Tshwete, a spokesperson for DHA, said Home Affairs was
waiting for the recommendations to come out of the inter-ministerial
committee before moving forward with placing biometric machines at all
South African consulates. "The committee may recommend taking
biometrics in each country or at the port of entry but it doesn`t help
doing one thing and the IMC coming out with another recommendation."
Tshwete emphasised that people were still applying for visas to SA the
same way they always have.

The Department of Home Affairs earlier this month revealed it was
considering taking visitors` biometrics on arrival but that wholesale
changes to South Africa`s immigration regulations were unlikely.

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