Tag Archive for: visa

Andrew Stegmann
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SARA Webinars: How African Visa and Immigration Specialists are Dealing with the COVID-19 Crisis

Relocation Africa’s Immigration Lead, Lynn Mackenzie, served as Panel Facilitator, and was joined recently by a number of immigration specialists from around Africa, to discuss their response to the COVID-19 situation in their respective countries.

Two live webinars, in partnership with the South African Reward Association (SARA) were hosted to discuss the topics, and we invite you to watch the recordings below so that we can share these insights with you.

The first webinar deals with the COVID-19 response in South Africa and Nigeria. Lynn is joined by Tracy du Plessis (South Africa), and Kunle Obebe (Nigeria).

The second covers the response in Ghana, Senegal, and Kenya. Lynn is joined by Paa Kwesi Hagan (Ghana), Joyce Anti (Senegal), and Brian Githaiga (Kenya).

We hope you enjoy the content. If you have suggestions for future webinars you’d like to see, please feel free to reach out to us via marketing@relocationafrica.com.

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

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

Andrew Stegmann

SA Home Affairs Outlines Measures to Deal With Immigration

The Department of Home Affairs has outlined temporary measures that have been put in place to address immigration matters during the lock-down period.

The temporary measures were introduced after President Cyril Ramaphosa declared a National State of Disaster on 15 March and subsequently a national lockdown from 27 March, extended until the end of April 2020, to contain the spread of COVID-19.

These temporary measures will remain valid until 31 July 2020, unless extended officially by the department. They apply only to foreign nationals, who have been legally admitted into the country.

The visa concessions are contained in the Directions, which have been issued by the department in terms of the Disaster Management Act, 2002.

“Visa concessions listed below apply to those with visas that expired from 15 February 2020, unless a person has proof that he/she had already submitted an application for a visa extension prior to 15 February 2020 and the outcome is pending,” the department said.

Expiry of visas 

Holders of temporary residence visas, which expired from mid-February 2020, who did not renew their visas before the lockdown, will not be declared illegal or prohibited persons.

“Any person whose visa expired before or during the lockdown will not be arrested or detained for holding an expired visa. Those who opt to return to their countries of origin or residence after the lockdown, instead of renewing their visas, will not be declared undesirable upon departure,” the department said.

During the lockdown, the department is not receiving or adjudicating applications for visas and for permanent residence permits.

“Foreign nationals, whose visas expired after 15 February 2020, may reapply for their respective visas or relevant visa exemption while in the Republic, immediately after the lockdown has been lifted. They will not be required to apply for authorisation to remain in the country (Good Cause/Form 20),” the department said.

Foreign nationals, whose visas expired after 15 February 2020, who had scheduled appointments on dates which fall within the lockdown period, should reschedule their appointments to an available date after the lockdown has been lifted.

Work, study and business 

People whose visas expired during the lockdown and those who have submitted their applications before the lockdown but their applications are still pending will be allowed to work, study or conduct business after the lockdown while waiting for the outcome of their applications.

“Visas issued to nationals of high risk countries, who were outside the Republic on 15 March 2020, were revoked – as per the Directions issued by the department in terms of the Disaster Management Act, 2002. These visas remain revoked,” the department said.

During the lockdown, except for cases relating to expatriation initiated by another State, all foreign nationals, who are currently in South Africa, may not depart.

Holders of the Lesotho Special Permit have up to 15 June 2020 to submit their applications for the Lesotho Exemption Permit.

The Lesotho Special Permits, which expired on 31 December 2019, remain valid until 15 June 2020. No new applications will be taken.

“Any asylum seeker, whose visa expired from 16 March 2020 to the end of the lockdown period, will not be penalised or arrested, provided that they legalise their visa within 30 calendar days of the lockdown being lifted,” the department said.

For information as to how Relocation Africa can help you with your Mobility, Immigration, Research, Remuneration, and Expat Tax needs, email info@relocationafrica.com, or call us on +27 21 763 4240.
Sources: [1], [2]. Image sources: [1], [2].

Andrew Stegmann

Latest South African Department of Home Affairs Directive for COVID-19

In line with President Ramaphosas’ statement dated 15 March 2020 and latest instructions from the DHA, the following should be noted.

Foreign nationals who are currently not in SA

Visa exemptions granted in terms of section 10A(4)(a) of the SA Immigration Act, enjoyed by foreign nationals from the high risk countries, including China, France, Italy, Iran, South Korea, Spain, Germany, the US, and the UK, is withdrawn with immediate effect, until further notice. Foreign nationals arriving in SA after 18 March 2020, from these countries, will be refused entry.

Visa exemptions granted in terms of section 10A(4)(a) of the SA Immigration Act, enjoyed by foreign nationals from the medium risk countries (you may list them), is withdrawn with immediate effect., until further notice. Foreign nationals from these countries, must first apply for and be issued with a visa and such visa application will be subject to a medical report, attesting to the fact that the applicant has tested negative for the COVID-19.

Port of entry visas which were issued to citizens of China and Iran, on or before 15 March 2020, for the purpose of visiting SA, is cancelled with immediate effect and is declared null and void.

Any foreign national whose passport contains evidence that that visited the high risk countries, since 15 March 2020, will not be issued with port of entry visas or temporary residence visas.

Foreign nationals who are currently in SA

Foreign nationals who are currently in SA and who originates from one of the countries affected by the covid-19 outbreak, or who, in order to reach their destination of origin, needs to transit through and affected country and whose temporary residence visa is due to expire, or had already expired, may apply for an extension of such visa, which extension may be granted until 31 July 2020, on condition that they are able to comply with all requirements. If one is unable to comply with one or more of the requirements, one may apply to the Minister in the prescribed manner, to waive such requirement. It should further be noted that no change of status or condition will be considered / allowed.

Foreign nationals who are currently in SA and who originates from one of the countries affected by the covid-19 outbreak, or who, in order to reach their destination of origin, needs to transit through and affected country and who is / was the holder of a temporary residence visa which expired between 1 December 2019 and 31 March 2020, may apply for an extension of such visa, without the need to first obtain a form 20 (authorization for an illegal foreigner to remain in SA pending the application for status).

The above-mentioned concessions are only applicable to foreign nationals who have been legally admitted into SA and is applicable until further notice.

For further information, please contact the Department of Home Affairs, or your local embassy or consulate.

For information as to how Relocation Africa can help you with your Mobility, Immigration, Research, Remuneration, and Expat Tax needs, email info@relocationafrica.com, or call us on +27 21 763 4240.
Sources: [1], [2]. Image sources: [1], [2].

Andrew Stegmann

South African Border Closures and Travel Bans: COVID-19 Status

Travel restrictions and advisories are in constant flux as COVID-19 spreads. Please check with your local consulate or embassy for up-to-date details.

Travel bans have been imposed around the world to slow the spread of SARS-Cov-2 virus behind Covid-19, while others require voluntary self-isolation of either all foreign travellers, or those from specific countries.

South Africans are affected by some restrictions – especially in countries that have a blanket ban on travellers from places with known Covid-19 cases. South Africa has also restricted access to some nationalities.

The result is a moving target of a list of places South Africans may not (or should not) go, and a similarly in-flux list of nationalities that can expect at least intensive screening for fevers on arrival in SA.

Many countries have imposed bans and restrictions due to expire in mid-April, if not renewed or cancelled before then. Other countries have put in place indefinite bans, or have not specified timeframes. Bans typically exclude those holding diplomatic credentials, and in some cases those with specific types of work visas.

South Africans are mostly not currently welcome in:

South African are impacted by special measures when travelling to:

  • Australia: required to self-isolate for 14 days after arrival
  • Austria: expected to be added to the list of nationalities required to present a negative viral test for entry
  • Bermuda: required to self-isolate for 14 days after arrival
  • Croatia: expected to be added to the list of nationalities required to self-isolate for 14 days after arrival
  • Czech Republic: expected to be added to the list of high-risk countries, from which travel is banned
  • Israel: likely to be denied access, but may be admitted if they can show the ability to self-isolate for 14 days
  • Jordan: all international flights cancelled
  • Lithuania: may have to self-isolate for 14 days after arrival
  • Malta: required to self-isolate for 14 days after arrival
  • New Zealand: required to self-isolate for 14 days after arrival
  • Slovakia: required to self-isolate for 14 days after arrival

South Africa has banned access to people from:

  • China
  • Germany
  • Italy
  • Iran
  • South Korea
  • Spain
  • United Kingdom
  • United States of America

South Africa has imposed extra screening measures on people from:

  • Hong Kong
  • Portugal
  • Singapore

Points of entry closures

South Africa has closed the majority of its border posts following an increase in infections in the country.

South Africa has 72 ports of entry in the country which are land, sea and airports. Of the 53 land ports, 35 will be shut down with effect from Monday, 16 March in order to prevent further influx of people possibly infected with COVID-19. Two of the eight seaports will be closed for passengers and crew changes. To view eNCA’s map of the closures, click here.

For further information, please consult the World Health Organization and the National Institute for Communicable Disease (NICD).

For information as to how Relocation Africa can help you with your Mobility, Immigration, Research, Remuneration, and Expat Tax needs, email info@relocationafrica.com, or call us on +27 21 763 4240.
Sources: [1], [2]. Image sources: [1], Belinda Fewings [2].