The Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs welcomes progress in the implementation of recommendations of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Immigration Regulations by the Department of Home Affairs (DHA). The laudable progress has ensured ease of movement in and out of the country as well as playing a positive role in growing the tourism industry.
The Committee acknowledges the speed with which the department implemented the recommendations, more especially those that were planned to be implemented immediately. To this effect, it is worth noting that the development’s testing of a biometric capacity at pilot points at various ports of entry is complete.
As a result, the capturing of biometrics at ports of entry will be enhanced and has led to the exemption to possess a transit visa for travellers transiting through Lanseria, OR Tambo International Airport, Cape Town International Airport and King Shaka International Airport.
In efforts to boost the economic growth and foreign direct investment, the Committee welcomes the implementation of the issuance of long-term multiple entry visas. Furthermore, the granting of a 10-year multiple entry visas to bona fide businesses and academics from Africa will encourage growth in intra-Africa trade and enhance development.
Furthermore, the Committee welcomes the extension of the Parental Consent Affidavit (PCA) from four to six months. This measure will ensure that the required affidavit will last longer, making it easier to travel for single parents. The Committee further acknowledges the work of the department in going the extra mile by implementing steps to facilitate travel of minors with South African sports teams and schools abroad.
The Committee remains of the view that the DHA plays a strategic security role and is confident that these interventions ensure that the department balances both the economic and security prerequisites of travel into the country. The implementation of these interventions has seen a rise in visitors into the country despite scepticism by doom-sayers.
The Committee calls on the department to shift gear and implement those recommendations with a short- and long-term aim.
For media enquiries or interviews with the Chairperson, please contact:
Malatswa Evans Molepo
Tel: 021 403 8438
Cell: 081 512 7920
