SA government to revise unabridged birth certificate regulations for foreign minors
South African Tourism Minister Derek Hanekom has confirmed that government will be reissuing an advisory to clarify the recent changes to the regulations requiring foreign minors to produce unabridged birth certificates. Speaking at the Board of Airline Representatives of South Africa (BARSA), Hanekom admitted that the changed regulations in the Government Gazette No. 10177 (dated 29 November 2018) had been communicated badly
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123RFHe confirming that the advisory issued by the Department of Home Affairs had been "contradictory" to the amended regulations and added that this had understandably contributed to the airline and travel industry’s confusion.
Hanekom also confirmed to delegates that the Department of Home Affairs was working at changing the advisory note so that it matches the revised regulations:
• If two parents are travelling from visa-free markets with their children, no documentation would be required.
• Any documentation that is required does not have to be obtained through a "sworn affidavit process".
• And that in the event of suspicion, children who are foreign nationals and who are visa exempt are strongly advised to carry supporting documents.
To view the Tourism Minister’s statements on the matter, click here.
