Foreign expatriates are now allowed to enter South Africa under exceptional circumstances following amended regulations stipulated on July 3 by the Department of Home Affairs (DHA), according to Tasia Brummer, immigration specialist at work visa service provider, Xpatweb.
A release from the company says long-term temporary residency visa holders, such as those on intra-company transfer and critical skill work visas, are allowed to enter South Africa but certain categories of expatriates remain excluded.
The excluded categories refer to expatriates who are travelling from visa-exempt countries for short-term visits, which include business trips and holiday/tourism. Also excluded are expatriates from high-risk countries – China, US, UK, Germany, Iran, Spain, Italy and South Korea.
The minimum requirements for a successful application to enter SA are:
- Compelling motivation outlining need to enter South Africa
- Copy of passport title page
- Copy of temporary residency visa for South Africa
After the application has been submitted directly to the Minister of Home Affairs, it will undergo adjudication by a joint multi-departmental committee meeting held once a week. Approval is at the discretion of the Minister. Approval must be obtained to proceed with any flight bookings to ensure a secure entry into South Africa.
Once approved for entry to South Africa, the expatriate will be subject to prescribed screening and quarantine measures.
