Andrew Stegmann
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Valid UK Visa in an Expired Passport

The issue of a valid UK visa in an expired passport has caused problems for numerous individuals over the past year. Although a person can still use a valid visa in an expired passport, the situation is not ideal.

Expired Passport – Home Office Guidance

The official guideline from the Home Office regarding the matter states that a person can still use the valid visa in the expired passport. They will, however, have to show the expired passport together with the new passport when travelling.

UK employers can also check a person’s right to work with the UK Employer Checking Service.

Solution for the Expired Passport, Valid Visa Situation

Probably the safest solution is to replace your visa with a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP). This transfer can be done if you are in the UK.

If you are outside the UK and have an expired passport with a valid visa, it is possible to apply to transfer the UK visa to your new passport.

It is not mandatory for a person to apply for a Biometric Residence Permit where the passport has expired. There are however some benefits of doing so that are listed by the Home Office;

  • Enhanced security features of the BRP.
  • It proves that a person has the right to work and access certain benefits.
  • It will facilitate travel to and from the UK.

Biometric Residence Permits

Fortunately, for newer UK Visa applicants the Biometric Residence Permit is now issued to all applicants.

All successful UK visa applicants, excluding those who apply for visitor visas and EEA Family permits, receive a 30-day vignette in their passports.

The applicant then has 30 days to leave their home country. Once in the UK, they are required to collect the Biometric Residence card or BRP. This card will then, in essence, be the UK visa, settlement, Ancestry, Tier 2 work permit, etc. Once a person applies for Indefinite Leave to Remain, a new Biometric Residence Permit is issued, stating this new status.

In the light of the doubts about the situation that sometimes arise at airports, and with UK employers, it is highly recommended that persons with expired passports rather apply for a Biometric Residence Permit. This should remove all doubts and ensure peace of mind for the visa holder.

 

For information as to how Relocation Africa can help you with your Mobility, Immigration, Research, and Remuneration needs, email marketing@relocationafrica.com, or call us on +27 21 763 4240.

Source: The South African [1]. Image source: [1].

Andrew Stegmann

South African Cabinet Reshuffle Announced

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced his cabinet reshuffle during an address at the Union Buildings last night.

10 Ministers have been fired from the cabinet, others have been moved to new positions, and former Mpumalanga Premier David Mabuza has been appointed as Deputy President.

Nhlanhla Nene has been appointed as the new Minister of Finance, having served in the role during 2014 and 2015. Another former Finance Minister, Pravin Gordhan, has taken the role of Minister of Public Enterprises.

Some Jacob Zuma loyalists, including Bathabile Dlamini, Nomvula Mokonyane, and Malusi Gigaba, and Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma.

Ramaphosa said during his speech last night, “I’ve decided to make certain changes to the composition of the executive of our country. These changes are intended to ensure that national government is better equipped to continue implementing the mandate of this administration and specifically the tasks identified in the State of the National Address. In making these changes, I’ve been very conscious of the need to balance continuity and stability for the need for renewal, economic recovery and accelerated growth in our country”.

 

For information as to how Relocation Africa can help you with your Mobility, Immigration, Research, and Remuneration needs, email marketing@relocationafrica.com, or call us on +27 21 763 4240.

Sources: [1], [2], [3]. Image source: [1].

Andrew Stegmann

President Ramaphosa Withdraws NPA Appeal

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has withdrawn an appeal against a judgment of the North Gauteng High Court that NPA boss Shaun Abrahams should vacate his position. This may be an indication that the President intends to replace Abrahams, and bring in a new NPA head.

Former President Jacob Zuma previously appealed the ruling by a full Bench of judges of the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria, that found he was conflicted to appoint the National Director of Public Prosecutions. The case is scheduled to be heard in the Constitutional Court on Wednesday. Abrahams is still appealing the matter.

In a letter delivered to the registrar of the Constitutional Court on Friday afternoon, the state attorney informed the court of Ramaphosa’s decision to withdraw the appeal. On the same day, it emerged in court papers that the NPA was arguing that Abrahams was validly appointed.

Meanwhile, South Africans are eagerly awaiting President Ramaphosa’s announcement relating to a cabinet reshuffle, as well as to whom he will be appointing as Deputy President. The ANC’s top six are meeting today.

 

For information as to how Relocation Africa can help you with your Mobility, Immigration, Research, and Remuneration needs, email marketing@relocationafrica.com, or call us on +27 21 763 4240.

Sources: [1], [2]. Image source: [1].

Andrew Stegmann

Cape Town Foreshore Freeway Project Bidder Selected

The City of Cape Town (CoCT) has announced the qualifying bidder for the Foreshore Freeway Project that, near the end of last year, was shrouded in mystery and controversy.

Project management firm Mitchell du Plessis Associates’ proposal has been chosen, out of seven submitted to the City. The firm has been involved with numerous large-scale projects in Cape Town, including the Two Oceans Aquarium, the Cape Town Stadium, Riverside Mall (Rondebosch), Norfolk Place (Kenilworth), the MyCiTi Integrated Rapid Transport (IRT) system, and the Cape Grade and V&A Hotels.

The firm’s R8 billion proposal focuses on completing Cape Town’s unfinished freeways, alleviating traffic congestion in and around the CBD, as well as providing affordable housing close to the City Centre.

The housing will be provided by means of building high-rise tower blocks of apartments across four precincts on the land between the freeways. The city is in desperate need of more affordable housing options for those who work in the city, many of whom currently commute from neighborhoods far away from the CBD, increasing traffic into the City Centre.

Cape Town is ranked as being the worst city in South Africa for traffic congestion, and was ranked 48th worst in the world in the 2016 TomTom Traffic Index. For the full ranking list, click here.

Mayoral committee member for Transport, Brett Herron, stated that, should the chosen proposal succeed, it will drastically transform Cape Town, and contribute towards a more residential and inclusive inner city.

During the second phase of the project’s tender process, Mitchell du Plessis Associates will, over the next 6 months, have to conclude an agreement with the CoCT, as well as finalize an investment plan, and secure financing for the project.

 

For information as to how Relocation Africa can help you with your Mobility, Immigration, Research, and Remuneration needs, email marketing@relocationafrica.com, or call us on +27 21 763 4240.

Sources: [1], [2], [3]. Image source: [1].