Global Alerts

SOUTH AFRICA – DHA Implements Application and Travel Restrictions; Eased Corporate Work Visa Requirements

The South African Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has provided clarifications related to foreign nationals visiting, residing, and working in South Africa. Beginning June 1st, 2015, the following changes will be implemented:

• Foreign nationals traveling with a child must carry that child’s unabridged birth certificate.
• If a child is traveling with an individual other than a parent or with only one parent, written consent from the absent parent who is authorizing the travel must be carried. For any parents listed as a single parent in the National Population Register, written consent will not be required from the absent parent.
• Foreign nationals from Botswana, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, Swaziland, and Zimbabwe who are arriving in South Africa by air are required to obtain a Transit Visa to enter South Africa, which will allow stays of up to 24 hours. Those arriving by land will be permitted stays of up to 48 hours. Any foreign nationals with long term or permanent residence permits are exempt from the Transit Visa requirement.
• Any foreign nationals employed under a Corporate Work Visa may now apply for a Critical Skills Work Visa in South Africa, so long as he/she stays employed by the Corporate Work Visa holder and also meets the requirements of the Critical Sills Visa. Please note that this change is not applicable to Corporate Work Visa holders who are not classified as critically skilled workers, unless a waiver has been granted to the holder.
• Any foreign nationals seeking a Business Visa in order to establish a business or invest in an existing business will benefit from an increased investment amount of R 5 million.