European travelers visiting the UK without a visa will soon be required to pay a £10 (around $13) waiver fee. The new rules, which will come into effect over the next year, will see the UK’s electronic travel authorization (ETA) system, first introduced for Qatar nationals, expanded to include travelers from all other countries, including European Union citizens. The non-refundable fee will apply to all visitors to the UK, including babies and children, without a visa, or permission to live, work or study, according to plans announced by UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper. At present, citizens of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are required to apply for an ETA before entering the UK. This will be extended to include most other nationals, including those from the US but excluding Europeans, in November. By next spring, the program will be expanded again to incorporate European nationals. “Once fully rolled out, the ETA scheme will close the current gap in advance permissions and mean that for the first time, we will have a comprehensive understanding of those traveling to the UK,” Cooper said in a statement. Jordanian nationals can no longer apply for an ETA to enter the UK, according to the UK government website. Visa waiver schemes are certainly not a new thing. The United States’ electronic travel authorization ESTA, which now costs $21 and lasts two years, was first introduced back in 2009. Meanwhile, the roll out of the European Union’s ETIAS, valid for three years, which will cost travelers 7 euros (about $7.50,) has been postponed to 2025. The UK formally left the European Union in January 2020.

Kuwait’s Central Agency for Remedying Illegal Residents’ Status (CARIRS) has revoked the citizenship of more than 10,000 people with dual nationality between 2011 and last month, the KUNA news agency has reported. According to the agency, the step is the result of a full decade of Kuwaiti efforts to address the dual nationality file, and comes as a culmination of a campaign that began last year to confront those who obtain Kuwaiti citizenship illegally. Almost 1,000 such people have been detected to date. Kuwait does not recognise dual nationality and children with dual nationality have two years after reaching the age of 18 to decide whether to retain Kuwaiti nationality or keep their other nationality. The Director of the Situation Amendment Department in CARIRS, General Muhammad Al-Wahib, told KUNA that 6,054 residents’ status had been changed to Saudi nationality; 1,188 to Iraqi nationality; 868 to Syrian nationality; 131 to Iranian nationality; 53 to Jordanian nationality; and 1,962 to other nationalities. Al-Wahib pointed out that these statistics include individuals who have parents or relatives who own documents from different nationalities and do not include those who have other relatives with proven nationality. He called on those wishing to amend their status to visit CARIRS in the Eastern Region, to settle their residencies and regularise their status according to the residency laws in force in Kuwait. The Gulf state has in recent years intensified efforts to amend the status of those residing illegally in the country.

South Africa is set to simplify travel for Indian tourists by introducing a 90-day visa waiver starting in January 2025. Along with the Trusted Tour Operator Scheme, these initiatives aim to streamline the visa process and boost tourism significantly.
Great news for travelers from India and China! South Africa is taking significant steps to attract more Indian tourists by introducing a 90-day visa waiver starting in January 2025. The new policy aims to simplify travel for Indian visitors and is expected to increase the number of tourists from India.
Currently, only 16,000 Indian tourists visit South Africa annually, but the country hopes to raise this number to 100,000 by the end of the year.

This initiative tackles a major hurdle for South Africa’s tourism industry: attracting more visitors from India and China. Currently, Indian tourists make up a mere 3.9% of international arrivals.
What is the Trusted Tour Operator Scheme (TTOS)?

In addition to the visa waiver, South Africa designed the Trusted Tour Operator Scheme (TTOS) to simplify the visa process for tourists from India and China. Selected tour operators will manage group travel, allowing the government to fast-track visa applications and boost tourism.

Boosting Tourism with TTOS

The Trusted Tour Operator Scheme (TTOS) has been designed to address challenges in South Africa’s tourism sector. Currently, Indian tourists represent just 3.9% of the country’s international visitors, a figure seen as insufficient for a growing market.

To tackle this, the Department of Home Affairs will collaborate with the Department of Tourism, the Presidency, and Operation Vulindlela.

Their joint efforts will make South Africa more accessible to tourists from India and China, ultimately driving growth in the tourism sector.

Simplifying Travel for Indian Tourists

The introduction of the TTOS and the 90-day visa waiver is set to make travel planning easier for Indian tourists. By simplifying the visa process, South Africa aims to position itself as a more accessible and attractive destination for Indian travelers.

Additionally, the government is planning to roll out an eVisa system for Indian tourists, further easing the application process and enhancing travel convenience.
How the TTOS Will Work

Under the new scheme, South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs will invite selected tour operators from India and China to register. Approved operators will oversee tourists in their groups and manage their travel arrangements.

In return, the Department will fast-track group visa applications, marking the first use of such a system for tourists. A dedicated team will handle these applications to ensure swift processing and remove previous barriers that have deterred tourism from these markets.

Economic Benefits and Job Creation

Minister Schreiber highlighted the potential economic benefits of the TTOS, noting that a successful implementation could lead to significant growth in the tourism sector.

This increase in tourism is expected to create more jobs for South Africans, substantially boosting the economy. The initiative reflects South Africa’s commitment to becoming a top global tourism destination and making travel more accessible for visitors from India and China.

Looking Ahead

The Trusted Tour Operator Scheme is a promising step towards making South Africa a top tourist destination. With easier visa processing and a focus on group travel, more visitors from India and China can experience the wonders of South Africa.

Expat group InterNations’ Expat Insider survey for 2024 shows South Africa’s improvements in affordability and lifestyle are some of the reasons why millions of foreign professionals call the country home—but there are still some issues.

The Expat Insider survey details the best and worst countries for expats to move to and live in, including South Africa.

The survey offers in-depth information on expats’ satisfaction with the quality of life, ease of settling in, working abroad, and personal finance in their respective country of residence.

The target audience included all kinds of expats, from foreign assignees – i.e., employees sent on a corporate assignment abroad – and international hires to self-made expats relocating for a better quality of life and a variety of other reasons.

The results are published in the form of an overall ranking of popular expat destinations, with additional information on five topical indices: Quality of Life, Ease of Settling In, Working Abroad, Personal Finance, and Expat Essentials.

For a country to be listed in any of the indices and in the overall ranking, a sample size of at least 50 survey participants per destination is required.

A total of 12,543 expats participated in the survey, representing 175 nationalities and living in 174 countries or territories worldwide.

In 2024, 53 destinations met the requirements.

According to the 2024 survey, Panama, Mexico, and Indonesia emerged as the top three destinations for expats, performing exceptionally well across several indices.

Panama ranked first, praised for its welcoming atmosphere, ease of settling in, and good working conditions.

Mexico followed closely, known for its rich culture and affordable cost of living, while Indonesia jumped from 13th place in 2023 to 3rd place in 2024 due to improvements in quality of life and working conditions.

The overall top ten countries for expats in 2024 include:

    Panama
    Mexico
    Indonesia
    Spain
    Colombia
    Thailand
    Brazil
    Vietnam
    Philippines
    UAE

Many of these countries, including Colombia, Brazil, and Vietnam, climbed significantly in the rankings due to improvements in various factors like ease of settling in, cost of living, and quality of life.

At the other end of the spectrum, Finland was the biggest loser in the rankings, dropping from 16th in 2023 to 51st in 2024.

Canada and Ireland also saw significant declines, with Canada falling from 27th to 49th place.

Several European countries featured in the bottom ten, including Finland, Germany, Norway, Italy, Malta, Ireland, and the UK, primarily due to poor scores in personal finance.

Expats in these countries reported high costs of living, housing difficulties, and dissatisfaction with their financial situations.

South Africa

Expats’ happiness with their lives in South Africa improved by 15 ranks in 2024, which is partly why the country has over two million expats.

However, they have noted that they still face several issues.

South Africa made significant strides in the 2024 rankings, climbing 19 spots from 48th to 29th place after spending four consecutive years in the bottom ten.

The country saw improvements in nearly all indices, particularly in housing and leisure options, which helped boost its overall standing.

South Africa ranked 9th in the Housing Subcategory and 10th in Leisure Options, with expats praising the country’s recreational opportunities and vibrant culinary scene.

Many respondents also highlighted the favourable climate and natural environment, with South Africa securing 3rd place for its natural beauty and 5th place for climate and weather.

As of 2024, South Africa continues to be a popular destination for expats, particularly those from the UK and other European countries.

An estimated 2 million expats live in South Africa, drawn by its diverse culture, relatively low cost of living, and natural beauty.

Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Durban remain the most preferred cities for expats, with Cape Town often seen as the most desirable due to its vibrant urban life and stunning landscapes.

Many expatriates work in sectors like IT, engineering, and finance, taking advantage of opportunities in these fields through critical skills work visas.

South Africa also performed well in the Ease of Settling In Index, ranking 23rd.

Expats found it relatively easy to make friends (13th place) and build personal support networks (11th place).

Many respondents (29%) reported forming close relationships with locals, a higher percentage than the global average of 17%.

Expats also appreciated the friendly and welcoming atmosphere, with 63% saying they feel at home in the country.

In the Personal Finance Index, South Africa ranked 18th, with many expats citing affordable living costs and sufficient disposable income.

Over 70% of expats said their income is enough to lead a comfortable life, surpassing the global average.

The downside

While South Africa offers many benefits for expats, including lower living costs compared to Western countries, there are also challenges, such as crime and infrastructure issues, especially in public services like healthcare.

South Africa continues to struggle in key areas like safety and security, ranking dead last (53rd) in this category.

Expats voiced concerns about personal safety, with over half (54%) rating it negatively, compared to just 8% globally.

The country also ranked poorly in political stability, which further dragged down its overall performance in the Quality of Life Index, placing it 43rd.

Another major area of concern is the Travel and Transit Subcategory, where South Africa ranked 52nd.

Expats reported dissatisfaction with the affordability and availability of public transportation, with 65% saying it’s neither easy nor safe to get around on foot or by bicycle.

Four suspects linked to a stolen home affairs stamp and the selling of fraudulent birth certificates are set to make a formal bail bid at the Kgosi Mampuru prison on Wednesday.

The four men, all Mozambican nationals, were arrested after the discovery of an alleged fake birth certificate bearing a stamp that had been reported stolen at the home affairs Centurion offices.

Two suspects were arrested last month for allegedly printing and selling fraudulent birth certificates while two other suspects — a father and son — were arrested for allegedly having a fraudulent birth certificate.

It is alleged that Lebogang Tibane, 24, had approached the Centurion home affairs to apply for an ID.

Upon arrival, the official at home affairs who was assisting noticed that the stamp used on the birth certificate had been stolen several months before.
She then summoned Tibane to come with a parent.

He then presented himself at the office with his father Amerco Tibane.

The two were then arrested and during questioning revealed that they had bought the certificate from Rhandzu Chauke for R6,000. Chauke works at the home affairs Centurion officer as a cleaner.

Chauke, who is now out on a R1,000 bail, was subsequently arrested on her way from work.

During questioning she revealed that she worked with two Mozambican nationals — Sibusiso Mthembu and Methusi Ncube — to manufacture fake birth certificates.

According to a Sowetan source, Mthembu was going around looking for undocumented migrants who wanted to buy fake IDs to legitimise their stay in SA.

Chauke would then send names of undocumented migrants to Ncube who prints fake birth certificates and then marks them with a stamp stolen from her office.

The revelations about the work of this alleged syndicate come at a time when the selling of fake documents is under the spotlight.

Provincial police spokesperson Col Noxolo Kweza confirmed at the time of the arrests that the suspects were part of the alleged syndicate.