New law for children travelling out of SA
All minors will be required to produce, in addition to their passport, an Unabridged Birth Certificate which shows the particulars of both parents.
ZULULAND residents, who occasionally enjoy the trek to Mozambique and other neighbouring countries, are advised to take note of the new immigration law which is coming into effect on 1 June.
Under this law, when exiting and entering South African ports of entry, all minors (children under the age of 18 years) will be required to produce, in addition to their passport, an Unabridged Birth Certificate which shows the particulars of both parents.
Department of Home Affairs (DHA) official in Richards Bay, Nana Mthembu stated that it is of paramount importance for parents to apply for these certificates, so as to avoid any travel disruptions.
‘The implementation of these certificates is to curb the problem of human trafficking. We have put measures in place to control this growing problem.
‘According to the DHA, 30 000 minors are trafficked through South African borders every year, and 50% of these minors are under the age of 14.
‘These certificates will not only serve as proof of guardianship, but also to protect these innocent children,’ Mthembu added.
Minors travelling with only one parent should include an affidavit which gives the parent consent for the child to travel, a court order granting full parental responsibilities or legal guardianship of the child, or the death certificate of the absent parent.
With neither parent present, Unabridged Birth Certificates should be supplemented by affidavits from the parents or legal guardians confirming that the child may travel with that person, copies of the ID documents or passports of the parents or legal guardian, and the contact details of the parents or legal guardian.
Exemptions will be made for minors travelling domestically ie between Durban, Johannesburg or Cape Town either by land, sea or air, and school tours, as the DHA accepts a letter from the school’s Principal to cover all minors.
Application process for Unabridged Birth Certificates
• Apply at your nearest Home Affairs office where your biometric information will be verified
• Take your ID book along, as well as your child’s ID number
• All documents submitted must be originals or certified copies
• The Unabridged Birth Certificate costs R75
• It can take up to eight weeks to acquire an Unabridged Birth Certificate from the date of application
