DA slams slow work permit process

Source: Cape Argus, 24/11/2015

Cape Town - Hot on the heels of the tourism visa controversy, the DA
raised alarm bells on Monday over the lack of speed in processing
corporate work and general work permit applications.


DA MP Ian Ollis said only 53 percent of last year`s 95 corporate work
visa applications – that can cover more than one person – were
processed by the Department of Labour.


In addition, of the 741 individual work visa applications submitted,
only 68 percent were processed – and 211 approved, according to
statistics from the department`s annual report.


"We have a crisis now of bringing skilled people to work in South
Africa," said Ollis, adding unsuccessful applicants were not given
reasons so they could fix their applications in cases where, say, a
document was missing.


"The new role of the Department of Labour in vetting or approving
corporate or individual work permits, and scarce skills visas, is an
unmitigated disaster."


The work permit application regime was changed by regulation after
labour amendment laws were adopted in late 2013.


Since then, home affairs receives the work applications, but refers
them to the labour department for approval against the gazetted
categories of skilled workers.


DA MP Michael Bagraim said the lack of urgency in processing work visa
applications meant less than a third of the potential 18 000 job
opportunities were realised.


For every skilled worker, between three to five semi- or unskilled
jobs are created, and one criteria for approving work permits is the
training of South Africans.


If skilled work permits are not approved timeously, neither job
creation nor training could happen, Bagraim said.


"We need a new minister to ensure all visa applications referred to
the Department of Labour will be processed within seven days," said
Ollis.


"The alternative is the minister must hand back the whole visa
(regimen) to home affairs."


Deputy president Cyril Ramaphosa, during his question session in the
House earlier this month, announced a relaxation of some of the visa
requirements introduced last year.


This included acceptance of postal applications where South Africa did
not have a presence, subject to collection of biometric data on
arrival, and the dropping of minors` unabridged birth certificates if
they are travelling from visa-exempt countries.
Cape Argus