On Monday 19 September 2016, UK Visas and Immigration’s global commercial partner for UK visa services, TLScontact, will open a Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Mombasa. This is a new centre, in addition to the TLScontact VAC already operating in Nairobi, and its launch will extend the range of services we offer to customers across Kenya, including increased access to premium and priority products.
UK visa customers will continue to complete their applications and pay their visa fee online at Visa4UK before choosing an appointment at one of the TLScontact VACs in Kenya.
The Visa Application Centre in Mombasa will be open every day between 0800 – 1530hrs. Customers will be able to make appointments to submit visa applications in Mombasa on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays between 0830 and 1300, and can collect their passports on any week day.
To use the VAC in Mombasa customers will need to pay a fee of £55 in addition to the visa application fee. This “User Pay” fee allows UK Visas and Immigration to expand and improve its customer service offering in Kenya. A choice of centres offers convenience for customers who would otherwise have to travel to the capital to apply. This User Pay fee is payable online at the time of application, before customers visit the VAC in Mombasa. There will be no changes to the VAC in Nairobi, which will remain free to use.
Applications made in Mombasa will be processed in line with UKVI’s global customer service standards. All UK visa applications will continue to be decided by UK Visas and Immigration staff in a fair and objective process. Staff at the Visa Application Centre have no influence at all over the outcome of any visa application.
Source
Busa rejects border agency due to cost
BUSINESS Unity SA (Busa) has added its voice to growing opposition to a mooted border management authority and cautioned against such a move, citing the strain this would place on the fiscus when the country is faced with the prospect of having its sovereign credit rating downgraded.
Busa pointed to the socioeconomic impact assessment study conducted on the formation of such an entity, which showed that setting up a border management authority would cost R15bn-R24bn, while capacitating the South African National Defence Force would come at a projected R2.5bn price tag. “The fiscal space for the establishment of the [authority] is simply not available.”
It said the Department of Home Affairs had not provided information on the funding. “Busa believes funding should be clarified. The assessment recommended against proceedings because of the high risk and high costs associated with a wholesale transfer of functions. We are concerned there is a substantial difference in the cost estimate provided in the assessment and that which has been communicated by the [Department of Home Affairs],” the business federation said.
Source
Deadline approaching for Lesotho nationals in SA: Here’s how to legalise your stay
Cape Town – The Kingdom of Lesotho and South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs has issued an alert to all Lesotho nationals saying September is the last month to apply for the Lesotho Special Permits (LSPs).
This means that Lesotho nationals who work, study or do business in South Africa unlawfully have only 14 days left until 30 September 2016 to regularise their stay in South Africa.
While visiting Basotho in Rustenburg last week, the South African Minister of Home Affairs, Malusi Gigaba, urged Lesotho nationals to use the next few weeks to apply for their LSPs.
Applicants for the special permit must fulfil the following requirements to qualify for the LSP:
Kenya: UK Visas & Immigration launches a new Visa Application Centre in Mombasa
On Monday 19 September 2016, UK Visas and Immigration’s global commercial partner for UK visa services, TLScontact, will open a Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Mombasa. This is a new centre, in addition to the TLScontact VAC already operating in Nairobi, and its launch will extend the range of services we offer to customers across Kenya, including increased access to premium and priority products.
UK visa customers will continue to complete their applications and pay their visa fee online at Visa4UK before choosing an appointment at one of the TLScontact VACs in Kenya.
The Visa Application Centre in Mombasa will be open every day between 0800 – 1530hrs. Customers will be able to make appointments to submit visa applications in Mombasa on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays between 0830 and 1300, and can collect their passports on any week day.
To use the VAC in Mombasa customers will need to pay a fee of £55 in addition to the visa application fee. This “User Pay” fee allows UK Visas and Immigration to expand and improve its customer service offering in Kenya. A choice of centres offers convenience for customers who would otherwise have to travel to the capital to apply. This User Pay fee is payable online at the time of application, before customers visit the VAC in Mombasa. There will be no changes to the VAC in Nairobi, which will remain free to use.
Applications made in Mombasa will be processed in line with UKVI’s global customer service standards. All UK visa applications will continue to be decided by UK Visas and Immigration staff in a fair and objective process. Staff at the Visa Application Centre have no influence at all over the outcome of any visa application.
Source
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