When it comes to tourists wanting to experience the magic of Africa, the rainbow nation has been a popular choice with the WTTC confirming the fact in their latest study. According to the World Travel & Tourism Council’s (WTTC) most recent annual review of the economic impact and social importance of the sector, the study found […]
Category Archives: Appeals
Department of Home Affairs investigated by Carte Blanche
Visa woes in spotlight Carte Blanche, the popular investigative journalism program, has aired a scathing report of the Department of Home Affairs. It does not make for easy watching. The report, titled “Visa Vitriol”, explores the appointment and role of Visa Facilitation Service(VFS), the bungling and delays foreigners experience during visa applications and the extraordinary […]
The declaration of “Undesirability”
Overstaying a South African visa is certainly the most common reason for foreigners being declared undesirable and banned from the country, but it is not the only one. Who would be at risk of being declared undesirable The Immigration Act grants a discretionary power on the Director-General of Home Affairs, allowing him to declare the following […]
Detention and Deportation – Know your rights
The South African Immigration Act No.13 of 2002 provides immigration officials with rather wide-ranging powers when it comes to the arrest, detention and deportation of illegal foreigners. In some instances, these powers have been abused as displayed in the case of Edward Samotse. Thus it has become incredibly important for foreigners to familiarise themselves with […]
VFS Appeals – What you need to know
You’ve obtained all your documents, waited in line, and finally submitted your visa or permanent residency application. Days turn into weeks, and weeks into months, but before you have a chance to finalise your Christmas wish-list you have your outcome from the Department of Home Affairs REJECTED. What to do if your South African visa […]
The ‘Undesirable Person’ in South Africa
The implementation of the amended Immigration Act 13 of 2002 (“the Act”) has seen sweeping changes across the field of immigration law in South Africa. This article will look to provide clarity around the issue of foreigners being declared an “Undesirable Person” in South Africa. What is an “Undesirable Person” in South Africa? According to […]