Ministers meet over new immigration rules

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In their meeting in Cape Town, the ministers discussed transit visas, the regulation relating to the presentation of unabridged birth certificates upon entering or departing South Africa and the requirement for foreign nationals to apply for visas in person.

The ministers both acknowledged the importance of safeguarding the country's security, while balancing this with the interests of tourism.

The ministers were optimistic that the phasing in of biometric data collection capacity at ports of entry could lead to the phasing out of transit visas.

In respect of 'in person' visa applications, the ministers noted the capacity constraints in countries that cover large geographic areas, as well as in countries without a South African Mission or Consulate.

The ministers therefore agreed on the need to intervene speedily to counteract unintended consequences. The Department of Home Affairs has already engaged Visa Facilitation Services (VFS) Global with the view to increasing its reach as and when required to do so.

The Department of Tourism will help the Department of Home Affairs to make an informed decision regarding the countries where there is a need to increase VFS presence for visa processing and biometric data capturing.

With regards to unabridged birth certificates, the ministers reiterated their commitment to preventing and combating human trafficking.

Home Affairs will address the misunderstandings about the interpretation of unabridged birth certificates. The intention is to accept alternative, locally issued equivalent documents that contain the relevant information.

The ministers also welcomed a progress report on the piloting of a "trusted traveller programme", which could, in time, and in combination with the biometric system roll-out, facilitate the transition to virtual visas.