Unabridged certificates, visa regulations to fall away
Rather than denying entry where documentation is absent, travellers will be given an opportunity to prove parental consent. South African minors will still be required to prove parental consent when leaving our borders.
HOME Affairs Minister, Malusi Gigaba has announced that visa regulation requirements for BRICS countries have been made ‘flexible’.
During a media briefing today, Gigaba said visa regulation requirements for countries such as China and India will be amended by making provisions for taking biometrics on arrival in South Africa. Travellers will also be allowed to do their visa applications via courier.
“This will make provision for taking biometrics on arrival in SA, visa applications via courier and issuing 5-year multiple entry visas. This should be in place by October 2018,” said Gigaba.
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The briefing comes shortly after President Cyril Ramaphosa’s announcement saying the changes to the visa regime form part of the economic Stimulus Package and recovery plan. What’s more, unabridged certificates for minors is due to also fall away. He said the regulation on SA parents travelling with minors are still required to have parental consent.
“The requirement for the unabridged certificate for SA children will fall away but not immediately. Rather than denying entry where documentation is absent, travellers will be given an opportunity to prove parental consent. Foreign nationals travelling with minors are still strongly recommended to carry documentation proving parental consent. South African minors will still be required to prove parental consent when leaving our borders,” said Gigaba.
Gigaba went on to say they will also train immigration officials on the revised regulations, to ensure smooth implementation.
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