Concessions made by Cabinet on Immigration Regulations
The Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs yesterday officially welcomed Mr Glenton Vuma Mashinini as Chairperson of the Electoral Commission of South Africa. The Committee expressed its trust in him to lead the IEC to greater heights as the institution continues to contribute to the strengthening of South Africa’s democracy.
The Committee further noted the announcement by Cabinet of concessions made regarding the implementation of the immigration regulations. The concessions will go a long way in allaying fears by many within the tourism sector about the unintended consequences as a result of the implementation of these regulations. The Committee is of the view that the concessions represent the best middle ground in terms of resolving the discontent while fulfilling the dual requirements of safeguarding South Africa’s borders and at the same time enabling growth in the tourism sector.
Regarding visa application for travellers, the Committee notes and appreciate that the concessions will enable visitors to apply for visas in person in countries where there is an SA mission. Furthermore, in countries where there is no mission the Department of Home Affairs will receive applications by post and will capture biometrics of travellers on arrival at ports of entry. These plans will go a long way in making it easy for tourists to visit South Africa.
These and other concessions will hopefully make it easier for visitors to continue visiting the country. The Committee urges all visitors to adhere to these regulations, as amended. The Committee will await a full briefing on how the concessions will be implemented by the Department of Home Affairs.
Meanwhile, the Committee unanimously adopted the Budget Review and Recommendations Report for the 2015/2016 financial year.
For media enquiries or interviews with the Chairperson, please contact:
Malatswa Evans Molepo
Tel: 021 403-8438
Cell: 081 512 7920
E-mail: mmolepo@parliament.gov.za
