René Stegmann

New immigration rules must be put on hold – James Vos James Vos | 12 June 2015

DA MP says there is a real risk of the ministerial task team becoming a glorified talk-shop without any teeth

Visa regulations must be suspended pending outcome of Inter-Ministerial team

Malusi Gigaba

Malusi Gigaba

In light of government’s decision to set up an Inter-Ministerial team to address the “unintended consequences” caused by the new visa regulations, Home Affairs Minister, Malusi Gigaba, must immediately suspend the regulations in order to prevent any further collateral damage from occurring. This follows yesterday’s announcement by Cabinet that an Inter-Ministerial team will be set up by Minister Gigaba.

The decision to implement an Inter-Ministerial team is not enough – Minister Gigaba must immediately suspend the regulations pending the outcome of the Inter-Ministerial team. Moreover, the exact composition, mandate, and powers of this team must be made clear.

I will therefore today write to Minister Gigaba, requesting he immediately suspend the regulations, and provide the exact terms of reference of the Inter-Ministerial team, including the following:

By which date will the team be formed;

What is its exact mandate;

Who are its members;

What is this team empowered to do; and

Will a composite finding be made, and by when.

The risk of this becoming a glorified talk-shop without any teeth is a real one, and must be avoided. The Inter-Ministerial team cannot function as a red herring while the red tape of visa regulations continues to strangle industry and jobs.

We call on the Minister of Tourism, Derek Hanekom, to back this call to avoid any further damage to our country as a destination for trade and travel.

The DA believes government must always act honestly, transparently and in the best interests of all South Africans. Government has tacitly admitted that the regulations are having adverse effects – they now have a duty to mitigate such effects. Suspension of the regulations is the only way to achieve this.

Statement issued by James Vos MP, DA Shadow Minister of Tourism, June 12 2015

René Stegmann

LIBYA (Country risk rating: Extreme); 31 May; Casualties reported in bomb attack in Dafniya – Red24

A suicide bombing in Libya‘s north eastern town of Dafniya earlier on 31 May left five people dead and eight wounded. The attacker reportedly drove his explosive-laden vehicle into the primary security checkpoint on the main road leading from the town to the city of Misrata. The attack has been claimed by the Islamic State (IS) militant group. Elsewhere in the country, IS-aligned fighters reportedly captured the airport in the northern city of Sirte on 29 May, after forces loyal to the Tripoli-based General National Congress (GNC) legislature, which is not recognised by the international community, fled the facility following several days of fighting. Libya is currently divided between rival armed groupings, Operation Dawn and Operation Dignity, which are in turn, loyal to two rival legislatures, the Tobruk-based House of Representatives (HoR) and Tripoli-based GNC. Operation Dawn forces maintain control of Tripoli, while Operation Dignity forces have made increasing gains in eastern Libya around Benghazi. The security environment has been further complicated and undermined by increased IS activity in recent months. IS is opposed to both the HoR and GNC, and has carried out attacks countrywide. The instability and insecurity are expected to persist in the short- to medium-term, at least. Clients are advised against all travel to Libya. Persons operating in Libya are advised to adopt stringent security measures, obtain regular risk assessments from their security provider and ensure that contingency plans are regularly reviewed and updated.
René Stegmann

GHANA (Country risk rating: Medium); 1 June; Taxi drivers’ strike to affect Accra – Red24

Members of the Ghana Committed Drivers Association are expected to embark upon a taxi drivers’ strike in Ghana’s capital, Accra, on 1 June. Taxi drivers are expected to embark upon the strike action in response to new directives issued by the Driver and Vehicle and Licensing Authority (DVLA); these state that only commercial vehicles with safety belts are eligible to be registered and granted roadworthy statuses. The strike is likely to result in increased congestion and an increased demand for alternative forms of transport. Furthermore, protest-related gatherings may accompany the strike action. Should demonstrations take place, the possibility of confrontations between police and protesters cannot be discounted. Persons in Accra are advised to monitor local media for updates regarding the strike. Clients are advised to avoid all street protests as a standard precaution. Localised travel disruptions should be anticipated.
René Stegmann
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The regulations with respect to minors travelling – South African Immigration

Here is a great document referring to categories of travel and what the requirements at port of entry will be South Africa Regulations in respect with Minors Travelling.  For further information on the matter please contact us tracy@relocationafrica.co.za.Travel with minors