Breaking News!!!!!!!Statement on Cabinet decision on the immigration amendment acts and regulations

Source: Department of Home Affairs, 23/10/2015

The Department of Home Affairs has welcomed Cabinet`s decision
regarding the recommendations of the Inter-Ministerial Committee the
President had established in August 2015 to look at the unintended
consequences and mitigating factors relating to the implementation of
the Immigration Amendment Acts (2007 and 2011) and Immigration
Regulations, 2014. The law, as amended, will remain with adjustments
to be made in implementation, to make it easier for people to
comply.


In terms of the decision, on the requirement for travellers to apply
for visas in person, in countries where there is no SA mission, the
Department of Home Affairs will receive applications, including by
post, and capture biometrics of travellers on arrival at ports of
entry. To address concerns around the geographical spread of countries
like China, India and Russia, certain measures will be put in place to
ease the process of application, in particular for tourists.


With regard to the travelling of children Cabinet approved four
processes. Child-travel requirements for outbound travelling will
stay, including proof of parental relations through unabridged birth
certificates, and, as necessary, parental consent. In respect of
inbound travel where visas are required, it will still be required
that original birth certificates and, as necessary, parental consent
or certified copies are submitted during the visa application process.
Requirements regarding unaccompanied minors will remain, like
providing copies of the identity document or valid passport and visa
or permanent residence permit of the person who is to receive an
unaccompanied minor.


For visa-exempt countries a strong advisory will be issued, with
travellers advised to have proof of relationship and consent from the
absent parent/s or guardian/s, in case they are asked to provide such
on arrival. Cabinet has mandated DHA to put in place the necessary
legal instruments to give effect to this decision. The status quo will
remain until such time the DHA has provided a legal instrument for
this category of travellers. In the meantime travellers are encouraged
to comply.


The decision to retain the IMC on Immigration Regulation will greatly
assist in dealing with whatever difficulty might arise as a result of
the implementation of its recommendations until such time that the
main decisions have been implemented.


In order to implement Cabinet decisions on this matter, the Department
will do the following:
In the next three months,


• Implement the capturing of biometrics at ports of entry
starting with a pilot at OR Tambo, King Shaka and Cape Town airports,



• Look at introducing an Accredited Tourism Company Programme for
countries like China, India and Russia,


• Consider a long-term Multiple Entry Visa for a period exceeding 3
months and up to 3 years for frequent travellers (for business
meetings), business people and academics,


• Principals will issue letters confirming permission for children to
travel on school tours,


• Extend the validity of the parental consent affidavit to 6
months.


Within a year,
• Add visa facilitation centres, including in Zimbabwe, United Arab
Emirates and Botswana,


• Consider a visa-waiver for India, China, Russia and other
countries,


• Look at issuing visas on arrival for persons travelling to SA having
in their passports valid visas for the UK, USA and Canada or any other
country that applies stringent checks on visitors to their countries,
to ease travel for tourists,


• Consider granting a certain category of frequent travellers
(business and academics) from Africa a 10 year Multiple Entry
Visitor`s Visa,


• Open two Business Visa Facilitation Centres in Durban and Port
Elizabeth, in addition to the centre recently opened in
Sandton,


• Print parents` details in their passports so that they do not have
to carry birth certificates.


In the long term, one year and beyond,
• Install systems for pre-flight checks at international
airports,


• Upgrade Advance Passenger Processing systems and implement Passenger
Name Record, to enhance risk assessment,


• Finalise automation of the visa and permitting system
These measures will ensure the balance between national security and
economic interests of the country. Child safety will not be compromised.