Honourable Speaker
Honourable Deputy Minister Fatima Chohan
Honourable Members of the National Assembly
Democratic South Africa understands the value of immigration and acknowledges the immense contribution of immigrants to the development of our economy and the creation of wealth. In fact our nation owes its diversity to the different waves of immigration that have swept through the country, although not always for good reason.Today we recognise this diversity as one of our greatest strengths.
As part of the global village, it would be short sighted for us to under-estimate the role that immigration can still play in the economic, social and cultural development of our country. However, our immigration policy has to be in line with our national priorities, of which job creation is one of the most important.Tourism can also make a great contribution to our economy, so our visa regime necessarily has to enhance the growth of this sector.
Analysis of trends has shown that the vast majority of tourists come from our continent.The recruitment of critical skills will also be facilitated through the introduction of a critical skills work visa.We have also simplified requirements for the issuing of our student visas while our visa regime and permitting is going to be simplified for business people and investors.
South Africa has endless possibilities for tourists, investors, those with critical skills and students. Our beautiful shores are inviting, our spectacular landscapes, magnificent sunsets and legendary hospitality awaits all foreign nationals who come to our country legitimately.
The South African government further, recognising our commitment to the peoples of Southern African Development Community (SADC) who paid a high price for supporting our struggle for liberation, has committed to working towards regional integration.This must necessarily include the free movement of people and goods and exchange of skills through academics, scholars, business people and investors.
Having said this, we have to put some checks and balances in place to stop the spread of organised crime, trafficking in persons and also corruption.We must discourage the abuses of our open immigration policy.
Honourable members
Let me just touch on a few highlights of this Amendment Bill.Firstly, on the issue relating to immigration practitioners - they may continue to consult and provide advice to foreign nationals on immigration matters.However, the department would like these foreign nationals to apply in person for visas and not through the proxy of the immigration practitioner.We will no longer be issuing visas and other documents to faceless applicants, in other words, those we have not seen.Those who want to use the advisory services of the practitioners are welcome to do so.It is not the mandate or intention of Home Affairs to close their businesses.
Another key element of the proposed legislation is that those who have been issued with visitor and medical treatment visas will not be able to change the status of these visas while in South Africa.We realise that when in South Africa such foreign nationals may be attracted by the magnificent beauty of our country, the warmth of our people, and many other opportunities, and may therefore wish to seek a more long term stay in the country.However, in terms of the proposed legislation, such nationals will have to return to their country of origin and reapply for the relevant visas.
The proposed legislation also outlines the way in which holders of section 23 visas – those issued to foreign nationals who wish to apply for asylum in South Africa when they enter a port of entry – may apply for asylum.Such asylum seekers are currently required to present themselves at their closest Refugee Reception Office within 14 days of entering the country.They will now have five days to do so.Immigration officials will also have to follow prescribed procedures to ensure that fugitives from justice and other questionable persons are not issued with such a visa.
Honourable members
For too long now abuses of the country’s immigration policy in its current form has compromised our national security in addition to tarnishing our international reputation.I need not remind you of the decision by the British government to introduce visas for South African nationals in 2009 when we had always enjoyed a visa free regime from that country.The legislation before you therefore seeks to ensure that the system can no longer be abused while discouraging corruption currently linked to the issuance of visas.
Members of this house are therefore requested to vote favourably on the bill before you.Once assented into law, the implementation of this bill will ensure that we easily facilitate the entry into the country of foreign nationals who add value to our nation and its people while keeping out unscrupulous elements who seek to compromise the reputation of our country.
I cannot conclude this afternoon without expressing my heartfelt appreciation to the Chair of the Portfolio Committee, Maggy Maunye, as well as other members who have deliberated for many months on the proposed amendments to ensure that the final bill is a product of consultation and an expression of the will of all roleplayers which will ultimately benefit the Republic of South Africa.
I thank you.
