Yasiin Bey, also known as Mos Def, a US rapper and actor apologises and leaves South Africa after contravening the South African Immigration Act earlier this year. DHA held a media briefing on Tuesday, 22 November 2016, to announce the developments.
When he attempted to leave the country at the Cape Town International Airport earlier this year with a World Citizen Passport, he was detained based on using an “Unrecognisable passport”.
Bey frequently travels in and out of South Africa and has always travelled legally with an US passport.
What is a World Citizen Passport?
A man named Gary Davis started a resistance which lead to the United Nation passing the Universal Deceleration of Human Rights in December 1948. Gary Davis then started the World Government and introduced the World Citizen Passport, which aims to allow every holder the right to leave and return to their country.
South Africa does not recognise the world passport as a valid passport.
Read more about World Passports here
Mos Def Apologises and leaves South Africa
Bey sent a written apology for contravening the Immigration Act and agreed to leave the country on Tuesday, 22 November 2016. In the apology letter, Bey agrees that the Immigration Act is a system that regulates and secures both South African citizens and foreigners travelling to South Africa.
Bey will travel out of the country on a US passport.
DHA said it will drop the charges on Friday, 25 November 2016. Bey will be declared an undesirable person and will not be granted any further port of entry visas into South Africa. He will be allowed to apply for a waiver with a letter of good cause.
Read the full media briefing statement here
Speak to a professional now
Contact Le Roux Attorneys, South African Visa specialists about your visa application. Start by selecting one of the enquiry options below