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Indonesia's unexpected move lends credence to the claim by BRICS that it speaks for the Global South. Indonesia quietly and unexpectedly joined the BRICS bloc last week, bringing the number of full members to 10 and substantially boosting the group's combined economy by over 5% to more than $28-trillion, just beyond that of America, a symbolic achievement. Adding Indonesia also arguably boosted the credibility of BRICS' claim to be a representative body of the non-aligned Global South, rather than a Russia-China support group, as its critics suspect Moscow and Beijing are trying to turn it into. Indonesia, the largest economy in Southeast Asia, becomes the first nation in that region to join the original five members - Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa – as well as Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates, which were admitted as members at the 2023 BRICS summit in Johannesburg in 2023. Warm welcome Jakarta's decision to join has been warmly welcomed by the other BRICS members. It offsets the embarrassment caused by Argentina declining the invitation to join in 2023, and Saudi Arabia neither accepting nor declining The accession of Indonesia, announced only last week by the current Brazil chair, surprised outsiders. It is not clear why it took so long. Brazilian officials said that the five founding BRICS members had offered Indonesia membership as far back as the Johannesburg summit But Indonesia had then asked for more time to formally respond because national elections had been looming, they said. These elections were held in February 2024, and Prabowo Subianto replaced Joko Widodo as president. But that was almost a year ago. Elizabeth Sidiropoulos, national director of the SA Institute of International Affairs, said Indonesia's joining reflected a shift in Indonesia's foreign policy under new president Subianto. She said under Widodo, Indonesia had sought to join the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), a grouping of developed countries. But Sidiropoulos said she thought that option was still on the table and it could be that Indonesia was pursuing a multi-alignment strategy, like India. She saw Indonesia joining BRICS as a positive development, noting that during its G20 presidency in 2022, "Indonesia was quite adept at navigating between global powers, and I don't think it's a country that will seek polarisation over mutual benefit. "It brings into the grouping an important Southeast Asian economy." 'Asset to bloc' Sanusha Naidoo, senior research fellow at the Institute for Global Dialogue (IGD), agreed that adding Indonesia was an asset to BRICS. She thought the delay in announcing the accession might have been because Indonesia had decided to join only after the election of Donald Trump as US president. US President-elect Donald Trump. This had added to the uncertainties of the global environment, particularly because of Trump's threats to resort widely to increased trade tariffs. This might have prompted Indonesia to seek greater security in the BRICS alliance. She said Indonesia joining had significant strategic implications both for itself and for BRICS. It provided impetus to BRICS as a body representing the interests of the Global South. As Indonesia was a member of the G20, it increased the leverage of BRICS in that global forum. She also noted that Indonesia added weight to the BRICS non-aligned posture because of its historical role in hosting the 1955 Bandung Conference, which laid the foundation for the Non-Aligned Movement in the Cold War. Arina Muresan, a senior researcher at IGD, said she believed BRICS might also have chosen Indonesia from all the contenders for strategic reasons. She noted that in a time of rising geopolitical uncertainty, Indonesia commanded the Strait of Malacca, the shortest sea route between China and India, which is extremely busy, especially with oil tankers from the Middle East. After the Johannesburg summit when BRICS announced its first new members, Jim O'Neill, the British economist who coined the BRICs concept in 2001, told Daily Maverick that the new members had not "dramatically boosted" the total economic clout of the bloc. He said he was puzzled that Indonesia had been left out despite its large economy and its success in navigating internal and global challenges, arguably better than any other major commodity producer. Added clout Now that omission has been corrected. Indonesia has added clout. Its $1.371-trillion GDP in 2023 boosts the combined BRICS GDP by 5%, from $27.416-trillion to $28.787-trillion. That, incidentally, pushes it above the $27.720-trillion of the US economy. The BRICS share then reaches just over 27% of the $106.171-trillion global economy. This is all in nominal dollar terms. In purchasing power parity (PPP) terms – which measures what a country's currency can buy domestically, Indonesia's GDP of $4.334-trillion boosts the total BRICS GDP of $66.862-trillion by even more, by about 6%, to $71.197-trillion. That increases the share of the combined BRICS economy to about 36% of the global GDP of some $ 185.696 trillion in PPP terms. The addition of Indonesia's population of 282.47 million also boosts the total BRICS population by nearly 8% from 3.546 billion to 3.828 billion – which then constitutes more than 47% of the world's population. Indonesia also boosts the land mass (excluding territorial waters) of BRICS by about 5.4%, from 33,597,435km2 to 35,409,006km2. Further expansion of BRICS seems likely. At the last summit in Kazan, Russia last October, Moscow announced that BRICS had offered "partnership" in BRICS to 13 countries. This included Indonesia which even then had not decided to become a full member. The other 12 were Bolivia, Cuba, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Turkey, Uganda, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Algeria and Belarus. Russia has since announced that Belarus, Bolivia, Kazakhstan, Cuba, Malaysia, Thailand, Uganda and Uzbekistan have accepted the invitations while the other four countries have not yet replied. Partnership offers some, but not all the benefits of full membership, and is seen as being a stepping stone to full membership. |
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Why People Come to South Africa - To seek better life - To join family members - To escape poverty or danger - To find work to support families back home What is an Illegal Worker? - Someone who didn't enter through official ports - Someone doing different work than what their visa allows - Someone working without a proper work permit Rules for Employers - It's illegal to hire foreigners without work permits - Employers (not workers) get punished for breaking this law - Fines range from R7,000 to R50,000 per illegal worker - Employers can go to jail for up to 12 months - Home Affairs does surprise workplace inspections Legal Facts to Know - Foreign workers still have labor rights even if illegal - Employers cannot fire workers just because their visa expired - Spouses of visa holders must get their own work visas - Accepting a job offer or signing a contract without a visa is not illegal Types of Work Visas Available 1. General work visa 2. Intra-company transfer visa 3. Critical Skills visa 4. Corporate Workers visa Special Note for Zimbabwean Workers - ZEP visas are not being renewed - 12-month grace period to get proper visas - Must get valid work permits or leave South Africa What Happens When Caught - Department of Home Affairs investigates companies - Higher fines if employer helped with fake documents or housing - Punishment depends on if employer knew worker was illegal Rights of Illegal Workers - Can still report problems to CCMA - Can get compensation if mistreated, but not job reinstatement Recommended Actions - Visit on tourist visa first to explore job options - Verify all work permits before hiring - Get help from immigration consultants - Don't try to hide illegal workers How can we help you , please email us to info@samigration.com whatsapp message me on: +27 82 373 8415, where are you now? check our website : www.samigration.com Please rate us by clinking on this links : Sa Migration Visas https://g.page/SAMigration?gm |
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Despite a 2019 court ruling on "family joining", spouses and children of asylum seekers are struggling to get documented Spouses and children of asylum seekers are struggling to get recognition from Home Affairs. A 2019 landmark ruling allows the families of refugees to get documents in South Africa. - But legal experts say Home Affairs has created additional barriers like DNA testing requirements, and refuses to recognise customary marriages from other African countries. - A Congolese refugee has waited 23 years to be joined to her husband’s refugee status, despite submitting their marriage certificate several times. - A Kenyan couple have been unable to get their family documented, leaving their 13-year-old daughter unable to attend school. When rebels invaded his home in South Kivu in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2002, killing many people, Kabamba Mukinayi fled to South Africa rather than be forced into the army. He applied for asylum at the Cape Town Refugee Reception Office and was granted refugee status within a few months. His wife, Tshilobo Tshiamakanda, followed him and applied for asylum in Musina before joining her husband. When her permit was due to expire, they went to the Cape Town refugee office and applied for her to be joined to her husband’s status. She thought she’d automatically receive the same status as her husband. But 23 years later, she is still in limbo. In June 2019, the Western Cape High Court handed down a landmark ruling granting access for spouses, children and other dependents of asylum seekers and refugees to be able to document themselves in South Africa under "family joining". Family joining means granting refugee status (or a similar secure status) to family members "accompanying a recognised refugee", according to the Refugee Rights Unit at the University of Cape Town’s Law Clinic. The ruling followed an application brought by the Scalabrini Centre on behalf of families of refugees who were facing arrests and detention because of documentation issues. Tshiamakanda has submitted her Congolese marriage certificate several times but to no effect. She has had to endure decades of short-term and inconsistent renewals at the refugee office. She has had numerous interviews, yet her case remains unresolved. Without clarity on her status, she struggles to open a bank account or access other services. She freelances as a child carer. "We are a legally married couple. All I want is for my wife to join my status so that her life can be easier," says Mukinayi. Several couples GroundUp spoke to at the refugee office are in similar situations. Some said their files were lost during the closure of the Cape Town refugee office in 2012. The new office opened in 2023. Those who had applied at the Pretoria and Durban refugee offices tried to continue their applications in Cape Town, but they say the system couldn’t pick up their family joining files. A Kenyan couple, who wished to be anonymous, say they have struggled for years to have their papers joined. The husband belonged to an ethnic minority that faced targeted attacks during post-election violence in 2008. His family’s home in Naivasha, about 90km from Nairobi, was burned down during clashes when the police did not intervene. After receiving threats, he left Kenya and applied for asylum at the Musina Refugee Centre before moving to Cape Town. In 2011, his wife joined him and also applied for asylum and to be documented with her husband. But before her case progressed, Home Affairs closed its Cape Town office in 2012. The Western Cape High Court ruled that the closure was unreasonable and irrational in 2012. Home Affairs was ordered to re-open the office by the High Court in 2016, and again by the Supreme Court of Appeal in 2017. The department then sought leave to appeal from the Constitutional Court, but the application was denied. Since the office reopened, the couple have made countless trips to Home Affairs, submitting applications at the office and online, attending interviews and waiting in long queues, only to be met with rejection, delays and silence. To date, she has no papers and his permit has since expired. Because of the hostility he faced, he is now afraid to go and renew his permit again. "They told me to wait for my family to be recognised, and before I knew it, I had overstayed," he said. "Every time we go to Home Affairs, it’s the same thing: missing documents, system errors, come back next week, next month, next year. But nothing changes," said his wife. The couple was told that their Kenyan marriage is not recognised in South Africa. Their daughter, now 13, has no birth certificate, is currently out of school, and is facing an uncertain future. Attorney James Chapman, head of advocacy and legal advisor at Scalabrini, said the 2017 court order and 2018 ruling were meant to make it easier for dependents of asylum seekers and refugees to be joined, but families are still struggling. "There is nothing that should prevent an individual recognised as an asylum seeker or refugee and has supporting documents from, by appointment at Home Affairs, joining their family. What happens in theory is that you approach the refugee reception office on the appointment date given by Home Affairs, and you bring all documents. If you don’t have supporting documents to prove your relationship, Home Affairs won’t proceed," said Chapman. He said the Scalabrini Centre had handled cases where the files of children who turned 18 were routinely separated from their families’ files, had to file for asylum again, and were then rejected. He said Home Affairs had now confirmed that file separation would only happen upon termination of dependency or upon request, not upon reaching 18. Those separated would still continue to benefit from the claim of the previous file holder. "There is also a problem that... customary marriages are not being recognised. If you got married by customary law, say in DRC, they [Home Affairs] are not accepting those marital relationships. Only civil marriages concluded are accepted." He said in some cases, to join children, Home Affairs demanded DNA, "which is prohibitively costly". "DNA is even asked for in cases where parents have birth certificates from their country confirming the family relationship. Where the child is old enough the child should also be able to confirm the relationship without the need for DNA testing." Chapman said the Scalabrini Centre can be contacted for help. GroundUp has waited for two weeks for comment from Home Affairs. |
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The ZAR 120,000 fee is a once-off processing fee for a Financially Independent Permanent Residence Permit under Section 27(f) of the South African Immigration Act. This fee is payable upon approval of the application. 1. Payment Recipient The payment must be made to the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) in South Africa. This applies whether you are submitting your application locally or from abroad. 2. When to Pay? • The fee is only payable once the application is approved. • The Department of Home Affairs will issue an approval letter instructing the applicant to make the payment. • You should not pay this fee at the time of application submission. 3. Where to Pay? Once you receive the approval letter, payment can be made through the following methods: ✅ Bank Deposit / EFT (Electronic Funds Transfer): • The approval letter will contain the official banking details of the Department of Home Affairs. • The reference number provided in the letter must be used for tracking the payment. ✅ Direct Payment at Home Affairs Offices: • In some cases, applicants may be instructed to pay directly at a designated Home Affairs office. • Always confirm with Home Affairs before making any payment. ✅ Payments from Abroad: • If you are outside South Africa, you may need to make an international bank transfer to the Department of Home Affairs' official account. • Ensure the reference number from the approval letter is included to avoid delays. 4. Proof of Payment Submission After payment is made: • Submit the proof of payment (bank confirmation or receipt) to the designated Home Affairs office handling your application. • Only after this step will you receive your permanent residence certificate. 5. Important Notes ❗ Non-Refundable Fee: The ZAR 120,000 is a non-refundable administrative fee. ❗ Do not make payments to individual officials or consultants ❗ Always request and retain receipts ❗ Verify Banking Details: Always confirm the bank details directly with Home to avoid scams. ❗ Timely Payment: Delays in payment submission may lead to delays in receiving your permanent residence certificate. ❗ The financially independent permanent residence category (Section 27(f) of the Immigration Act) requires proof of this payment along with evidence that you possess the required net worth to qualify under this category. Would you like assistance in finding the latest DHA banking details or confirming payment procedures? 😊 How can we help you , please email us to info@samigration.com whatsapp message me on: +27 82 373 8415, where are you now? check our website : www.samigration.com Please rate us by clinking on this links : Sa Migration Visas https://g.page/SAMigration?gm |
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What is an E Visa An e-visa is an electronic visa that allows travellers to enter a country without the need for a physical visa sticker or stamp on their passport. It is an alternative to traditional visa applications, which are processed by embassies, consulates or diplomatic missions, and typically take longer to obtain. The e-visa is a digital document that is linked to the traveller's passport, and it is typically obtained through an online application process. The application process for an e-visa is generally more convenient and quicker than traditional visa applications, as it can be completed from anywhere with an internet connection. These digital visas are often issued for tourist, business, or short-term stays and typically have a limited validity period. The requirements for obtaining the digital visa vary per country but typically include passport details, personal information, and financial information. Travellers may also need to provide proof of sufficient funds for their stay. Overall, the e-visa system is designed to make the visa application process more efficient, faster, and convenient for travellers, while also providing a secure and streamlined method for governments to manage immigration. Need to apply for temporary residence visa? These are the different South Africa visa types you can apply for. Importance of an e-visa for travel to South Africa An e-visa is an important tool for travellers to South Africa, as it offers several benefits that make the visa application process more efficient and convenient. With an e-visa, travellers can apply for their visa from the comfort of their own home or office, without the need to visit an embassy, consulate or diplomatic mission. The online process is also faster and more efficient than traditional visa applications, with a quicker processing time and reduced wait time. Additionally, the evisa eliminates the risk of lost or damaged visa stickers or passports, as it is linked to the foreigner's passport electronically. Overall, obtaining an evisa for South Africa is a simple and hassle-free way for travellers to ensure their visa needs are taken care of before the trip. Eligibility requirements for obtaining an e-visa for South Africa Certain countries have been introduced to the system and the government are slowly adding to the list of countries. To be eligible, travellers must meet certain requirements set by the Department of Home Affairs. These requirements include, but are not limited to: - Passport: Foreigners must hold a valid passport with 6 months or more validity beyond the intended departure date from South Africa and have at least 2 blank pages. - Proof of Sufficient Financial Means: Travelers must show that they can financially sustain themselves for the duration in SA, to cover their expenses such as accommodation and transportation. - Return or onward ticket: Travelers must have a return or onward ticket to their country of origin or a country they are legally authorized to enter. - Yellow fever certificate if they are travelling from or intend on travelling through a yellow fever endemic region. - Hotel booking E Visa Countries for South Africa – Who needs a South Africa Online Visa? - Cameroon - China - Democratic Republic of Congo - Egypt - Ethiopia - Kenya - India - Iran - Mexico - Nigeria - Philippines - Pakistan - Saudi Arabia - Uganda You can view visa exempt countries South Africa to see if you are exempt from applying for a visa. Step-by-step guide on how to apply for an e-visa for South Africa The process is easy and convenient and can be completed online. Follow these steps to ensure a smooth and successful application: 1. Create your profile: Start by creating a profile on the website. This will make it easier to track the status of your application and save your information for future visits. Complete and Submit your form: Fill out the online application form with accurate and up-to-date information. Be sure to double-check all the information before submitting the form. Upload documentation: You are required to upload supporting documents. Make sure that all of the required documents are available in digital format before starting the application process. 2. Confirm payment: Once you have completed the online form, you need to upload a copy of the proof of payment so that your application can be processed. How much does a South African evisa cost? The cost of obtaining an e-visa for South Africa is approximately 87usd. It is important to keep in mind that the fee is non-refundable, even if your visa application fee is denied. If you are using an immigration agency to facilitate the process for you then there will be extra immigration service fees. The payment for your South Africa e-visa can be made via an electronic fund transfer. When considering the cost of obtaining the visa, it is also important to factor in any additional expenses, such as transportation, and accommodation. By planning and budgeting for these expenses, you can ensure a smooth and successful trip to South Africa. How long does South Africa evisa take? The processing time for an electronic visa can vary, but on average it takes between 5 to 10 business days to receive a visa. It is important to note that the processing for your South Africa electronic visa may be longer during peak travel seasons, so it is recommended to apply for your visa well in advance of your trip. To ensure a smooth and efficient processing time for your South African electronic visa, it is recommended to double-check all information provided on your application and ensure that all necessary documentation is uploaded and complete. By understanding the processing time for a South African electronic visa, you can plan your trip accordingly and avoid any unexpected delays or complications. What are the benefits of obtaining an evisa for South Africa? It offers several benefits to travellers. Firstly, it streamlines the visa process and eliminates the need to visit a South African embassy, consulate or diplomatic mission. Secondly, it allows for a quick and convenient process, as all documentation and payment can be completed online. It reduces the risk of a visa denial as applicants can ensure their eligibility and provide the necessary documentation before submitting. The digital visa for South Africa is more secure as it eliminates the need to physically handle sensitive personal and financial information. These benefits make the visa a preferred choice for many travellers visiting the country. No Consulate or Embassy Visits are Required to apply for the electronic visa One of the major benefits of applying for the South Africa electronic visa is that you do not need to visit an embassy, consulate or diplomatic mission in person. The entire process, from creating your profile to receiving your visa, can be completed online. This not only saves you time and effort but also allows for a more convenient and hassle-free experience. You can apply for your South Africa electronic visa from the comfort of your own home or office, without the need for travel or appointment scheduling. By eliminating the need for in-person visits, the South African electronic visa streamlines the visa application process and makes it easier for travellers to plan their trips to South Africa. How long is the validity of the digital visa? The validity period of the visa ranges from 30 to 90 days. The exact validity period of your visa will be stated on your visa grant letter, which you will receive after your application is approved. If you would like to extend your stay then you need to apply for a visa extension to South Africa for a visit visa extension. The extension entirely depends on your purposes and whether you can financially sustain yourself in RSA for the extension period. If you need to work the you need to apply for the section 11(2) Work Permit South Africa. To ensure that your stay in RSA is legal and following your visa conditions, it is important to understand the validity period of your digital visa and to plan your trip accordingly. My country is not eligible for the evisa for South Africa – What should I do? If your country is not eligible for the electronic visa, you will then need to apply for a traditional visa through the South Africa embassy, consulate or diplomatic mission in your home country. This will likely involve visiting the embassy or consulate in person, and submitting an application with the required documentation. Requirements for obtaining a traditional visa can vary based on the specific requirements of the embassy, and the purpose of your trip. Frequently Asked Questions Is evisa available for South Africa? Yes, South Africa offers digital visas for eligible travellers from certain countries, see above. The visa allows eligible travellers entry into South Africa for tourism, business, or medical purposes. The visa must have been issued to you before you can enter the country. The digital visa program is subject to change and updates, and it is best for foreign citizens to check the official Department of Home Affairs directly for the most up-to-date information on eligible countries and when new ones are added. Can I enter multiple times with this digital visa? Yes, you can enter RSA multiple times with an evisa, but you must apply for a multi-entry evisa. It allows travellers to enter and exit South Africa multiple times during the validity period o the visa. Remember that the number of entries and the length of stay may be limited and depend on the type of multi-entry visa you have obtained. Can I apply for it while I am in South Africa? No, you cannot apply for the visa whilst in the country. The program is designed for travellers who are outside of South Africa at the time of the application. You must have a valid passport and be physically located in a country other than South Africa to apply. If you are already in South Africa and need to apply for a visa, you may need to apply for a different type of visa. Is it necessary to show my digital visa at the airport upon arrival in South Africa? Upon approval of your visa application, you will print out the evisa notification letter and keep it inside your passport. Upon arrival at South Africa's ports of entry, you must present the notification letter, your passport, and in some cases your proof of adequate financial means. The original passport which you used during the process must be presented. The South African immigration officer will then inspect your travel documents and luggage before determining entry. It is crucial to cooperate with border control officers and provide answers to any questions they may have, as they are responsible for deciding entry into South Africa. Can I obtain an evisa for South Africa at the border? No, an evisa for South Africa cannot be obtained at the border. It must be applied for and obtained before arrival in South Africa. This means that it is important to plan and apply for your electronic visit visa in advance of your trip. Is the Electronic Evisa process secure? The digital process for South Africa is designed to be secure and protect the personal information of applicants. The website uses encryption technology to protect sensitive information, and the forms only ask for information that is necessary for processing the visa. Can I make changes to my visa for South Africa after it has been issued? Once the visa for South Africa has been issued, it cannot be modified or altered. If there is an error or mistake in the information provided on the visa, you may need to apply for a new one and pay the visa fee again. It is important to double-check all information provided on the forms before submitting them to avoid having to go through this process. If you need to make changes to your travel plans after obtaining the visa, you may then need to apply for a new visa if the changes affect your eligibility for the original visa issued. Are there any restrictions on what I can do in South Africa with the evisa? Yes, there are restrictions on activities that can be performed in South Africa with a visa. The visa is issued for specific purposes such as tourism, and business, to name a few. The holder of the visa may not engage in work, study, or reside in South Africa for an extended period. It is important to check the specific conditions attached to the visa issued, as restrictions and conditions can vary. In general, the visa is intended for short-term stays and any activities that fall outside of these parameters may result in the visa being revoked. Do I have to enter South Africa on the specified date indicated on my approved visa, and what happens if I fail to do so? There is a date specified on your notification letter, after which the visa will become invalid if you have not entered on that day. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that you can enter South Africa within the specified time frame to avoid having to reapply and pay that fee online again. Do I have to get separate digital visas for each person travelling with me to South Africa? Yes, each person in the group must have their evisa, and when applying online as a group, you'll need to specify the type of visa required for each person. The results of the group application will be provided for each individual in the group. How much bank balance is required for a South Africa Visa? The amount of bank balance required for the evisa is about R 3500.00. The Department of Home Affairs requires proof of sufficient financial means to cover the costs of your stay, including accommodation, transportation, and daily expenses. Can I get a refund if my visa is denied, or I do not make use of the visa or cancel my application? Depending on the stage of the process, if you cancel before you submit then you would be refunded. In general, processing fees are non-refundable and if your visa is denied, you will not be eligible for a refund. If you do not make use of your visa, you will not be refunded for the processing fees and will have to reapply and pay the online fees again. |
