President Joe Biden has announced a new policy that would protect hundreds of thousands of undocumented spouses of US citizens from deportation, according to administration officials.

The issue of immigration has proven an election-year headache for Mr Biden, who recently issued a sweeping executive action to curb record migrant arrivals at the US-Mexico border.

The new policy will apply to those who have been in the country for at least 10 years and will allow them to work in the US legally.

The White House believes more than 500,000 spouses will be eligible.

Speaking at an event at the White House on Tuesday, Mr Biden said the move would help the US immigration system become less `unfair` and `unjust` for the benefit of immigrants, married couples - and all Americans.

Polls show that the immigration is a primary concern for many voters ahead of the presidential poll in November.

The White House also believes the new spouses policy will benefit 50,000 young people under 21 whose parent is married to an American citizen.

It marks the most significant relief programme for undocumented migrants already in the US since the Obama administration announced the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or Daca, in 2012.

`The action I`m announcing today will go into effect later this summer,` Mr Biden said at the White House.

`The steps I`m taking today are overwhelmingly supported by the American people, despite what the other team says,` he added, a reference to Republicans.

The White House announcement came as the US marked the 12th anniversary of Daca, which shielded over 530,000 migrants who came to the US as children - known as Dreamers - from deportation.

On Monday, senior administration officials said that undocumented spouses of US citizens would qualify if they had lived in the country for 10 years and been married as of 17 June.

Those who qualify will have three years to apply for permanent residency and will be eligible for a three-year work permit.

On average, the White House believes that those eligible for the process have been in the US for 23 years. A majority will have been born in Mexico.

They will be `paroled in place` and allowed to remain in the US while their status is changed.

NumbersUSA, an organisation that advocates for tighter immigration controls, slammed the new policy as “unconscionable”.

The organisation’s chief executive, James Massa, said in a statement: “Rather than stopping the worst border crisis in history, President Biden has overreached his executive authority to use an unconstitutional process, circumventing voters and their elected representatives in Congress, to send a message that amnesty is available to those who enter illegally into the United States.`

Alex Cuic, an immigration lawyer and professor at Case Western Reserve University in Ohio, told the BBC that while the action affected a `narrow group`, it marked a `start` for a segment of the US immigrant population that historically would face complications normalising their status in the country, even when eligible.

`A good majority of them [would have] to leave the country in order to come back lawfully,` he said. `It`s like they physically enter the US, but their immigration `soul` doesn`t come with them.`

By allowing beneficiaries to parole in place, Mr Cuic added, officials `kill off the need to separate families` when one spouse needs to leave the country to apply for lawful permanent residence.

The application process is likely to be open by the end of summer, a senior administration official said on Monday.

The White House is also planning to ease and speed up the visa process for highly skilled undocumented immigrants who have received degrees from US universities or who have received a job offer in their field, including Dreamers.

Mr Biden`s announcement comes two weeks after he issued a sweeping executive action that allows US officials to quickly remove migrants entering the US illegally without processing their asylum requests.

That will happen once a daily threshold is met and the border is `overwhelmed`, the White House said in a statement.

The American Civil Liberties Union, or ACLU, sued the Biden administration last week, arguing that it violated US immigration law with the action.

At the time of the announcement, Mr Biden urged those who consider the measure `too strict` to `be patient`.

`[In] the weeks ahead, I will speak to how we can make our immigration system more fair and just,` he said.

Aaron Reichlin-Melnick, policy director at the American Immigration Council, said that while the two announcements `don`t intersect with each other at all`, the more recent action may help the administration `get some positive headlines after the pushback` they received over the border announcement.

`The Biden administration has been receiving a lot of flak from people saying that their focus has all been on new arrivals, when there are so many long-term undocumented immigrants stuck trying to navigate our complicated immigration system,` he added.

`I think the actions you`ve seen the president taking over the last few weeks really go towards addressing both those concerns,` Mr Reichlin-Melnick added.

But efficiency is not enough; applications must be processed fairly and approved without bias
Something appears to have shifted within the department of home affairs, sparking a glimmer of hope for visa applicants and practitioners alike.
In recent months there has been a noticeable increase in the speed at which applications are being processed. While it is too early to determine the exact cause, it is worth noting that this acceleration coincides with ongoing court cases challenging the department’s handling of immigration matters.
Whether these changes are a direct response to legal pressure remains speculative, but the progress and outcomes we’re witnessing are undeniable. This is a significant step forward, signalling a potential turnaround in the backlog that has plagued the immigration system since the reopening after the Covid lockdowns. Could this be the beginning of the end for the backlog? We cautiously hope so.
It’s essential to acknowledge that a number of cases are still proceeding into contempt, highlighting ongoing challenges within the system. Despite this, there is a palpable sense of improvement overall. Notably, we’ve received assurances from high-level officials that mechanisms are now in place to address the backlog.
This affirmation from top-level authorities provides a glimmer of hope and lends credence to the notion that substantive changes are under way within the department. It’s encouraging to see concrete steps being taken to tackle the backlog head-on, signalling a commitment to resolving long-standing issues and improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the immigration system.
Frustration
However, amid this progress it’s still important to acknowledge the persistent shortcomings within the department. Wrongful rejections continue to occur, causing frustration and disappointment for applicants and their families. The lack of properly trained officials and their unfamiliarity with immigration laws and constitutional duties only worsens the problem.
It’s imperative for the department to prioritise the appointment of knowledgeable and accountable officials who understand the gravity of their roles. Responsiveness and transparency must become the norm, replacing the culture of rudeness and unhelpfulness. Applicants deserve better, and the impact of wrongful rejections on their lives cannot be overstated.
The long-awaited creation of the Immigration Advisory Board, as mandated by law, remains pending. Establishing this board would provide essential guidance and oversight, ensuring that immigration policies and practices align with legal requirements and humanitarian principles.
While there’s a glimmer of hope with recent improvements, there’s still much work to be done. The department must continue moving in the right direction, addressing systemic issues and striving for excellence in its operations. This includes not only processing visas and permits more efficiently but also making fairer and more informed decisions.
Let’s pave the way for an SA that not only processes visas and permits efficiently but also extends a warm embrace to those who seek to make it their home.
We earnestly hope for the continuation of this positive momentum now that the elections are over. Our aspiration extends beyond continuity; we envision an upward trajectory where the immigration process becomes not just expedited, but welcoming and inclusive.
The goal is clear: visa and permit applications should be processed promptly, ideally within two to three months for visas and eight months for permanent residency and citizenship applications. However, mere efficiency is not enough; applications must also be met with open arms, processed fairly, and approved without bias. It’s time for the department of home affairs to shift its approach, transforming from an entity that seemingly begrudges foreigners to one that embraces them as valuable contributors to SA’s tapestry.
We need to revive the spirit of making SA great again, not through exclusion or hostility but through inclusivity and kindness. International examples abound where countries have reaped the benefits of welcoming policies towards immigrants, enriching their societies culturally, economically and socially. SA has the potential to be a beacon of hospitality and progress, but this requires a fundamental shift in attitude and approach.
As we advocate for change, let’s draw inspiration from successful immigration policies worldwide, where immigrants are not seen as burdens but as assets to be cherished. Let’s pave the way for an SA that not only processes visas and permits efficiently but also extends a warm embrace to those who seek to make it their home.
Looking ahead, uncertainty remains over the fate of the blanket waiver, set to expire at the end of June. We urge the department to extend the waiver and ensure its coverage is comprehensive, encompassing all individuals with pending visa/waiver applications or appeals, without discrimination.
Recent developments offer a ray of hope, yet the journey towards a more efficient, fair and compassionate immigration system in SA is far from over. It’s a journey that requires continued vigilance, advocacy and collaboration between stakeholders.
As we navigate these challenges let us remain steadfast in our commitment to justice, equality and the fundamental rights of all.

Zimbabwe’s consulate in South Africa has announced that it will start rolling out an e-passport facility, starting on Tuesday.

Consul-General Eria Phiri explained in a public notice that the first phase involved training consulate staff. This concluded on 15 June, and will now be followed by a system test run from June 18 to 21.

South Africa is home to over one million Zimbabwean nationals. This is according to the country’s census data and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM).

The IOM also notes that many have entered South Africa without proper documentation. Zimbabweans have left their home country en masse to escape a political crisis, harsh economic conditions and chronic underdevelopment.

The war over work permits

In an ongoing legal battle around the validity of Zimbabwean Exemption permits (ZEPs), Minister of Home Affairs Aaron Motsoaledi announced a two-year extension to ZEPs in December.

This will allow Zimbabwe nationals to work, study, and live in South Africa until 29 November 2025. However it is under the condition that they cannot thereafter apply for permanent residency.

In February this year, The Supreme Court of Appeal went on to dismiss a bid by Motsoaledi. The bid was to appeal a ruling that the termination of the ZEP programme was unlawful, unconstitutional and invalid.

In an effort to assist its nationals with legal documentation, Permanent Secretary for Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage of Zimbabwe, Ambassador Raphael Faranisi announced in May that registration officers would travel to the Zim embassy in South Africa to train consular staff on how to process e-passports.

Consul-General Phiri said the trial run will involve a limited number of randomly chosen clients.

“This trial run period will be open to a limited number of clients, randomly chosen from the existing pool of clients visiting the consulate in Johannesburg for passport application under the outgoing system,” Phiri said.

“The process will help the consulate to gauge the level of the system’s responsiveness and effectiveness in a real world environment before the full roll out [phase two] to the public.”
Requirements for e-passports

According to the Chronicle, the cost of the e-passport is set at US$150 (converted to ZAR based on the previous week’s average exchange rate) and an additional fee of US$20 will apply for a QR code.

Requirements for the Zimbabwe e-passport include:

Original birth certificate
Original identification documents (ID) (metal or plastic or paper IDs are acceptable)
Passport if it is valid, and not required if it expired
Original marriage certificates will be required for married women

“The mode of payment shall be communicated to all participants on selection,” Phiri added.

“It is also important for people to note that the consulate in Cape Town or in Johannesburg or the Embassy in Pretoria does not have agents who act on their behalf.”

Will the proposed Schengen-style multi-country unified visa system ease travel across Southeast Asia, the Middle East and southern Africa?
Visa applications can be time-consuming, with embassies evaluating documents, biometrics, and travel history. The US and Schengen visas have gained a global reputation for their thorough and extensive processes. However, in the wake of the pandemic, there has been a global surge in tourism and many countries are seeking to streamline visa processes to boost tourism and the local economies. Visas are being reimagined through new schemes and policies, with many nations bringing in the Schengen-style unified multi-country visa.
Traditionally, visa-free travel between all countries is unrealistic due to diplomatic considerations. However, regions are exploring a similar approach to the Schengen Area, a border-free zone that enables easy travel through just one visa for 29 countries! Travelling across Europe is simplified as travellers can visit France, Spain, Italy, Switzerland and more just by acquiring the Schengen visa.
Popular travel destinations in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and southern Africa plan to replicate this idea and create a more welcoming environment for tourists by simplifying the process with a unified multi-entry visa for these regions. This unified Schengen-style visa opens the doors to multiple destinations, reimagining how we travel to breathtaking countries like Thailand, Malaysia, UAE, Zimbabwe, and Qatar.
Regions planning the Schengen-style unified multi-country visa
Middle East - GCC Grand Tours
The Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, United Arab Emirates | Image credit: Melnikov Dmitriy/Shutterstock
The Middle East is the front-runner in launching its Schengen-style unified visa. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), comprised of the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain and Kuwait, currently requires separate e-visas for each member country.
To streamline travel, these nations are collaborating to launch a unified visa, officially known as the GCC Grand Tours. This e-visa will permit a stay for up to 30 days within the GCC region of the Middle East, allowing tourists to explore beyond popular destinations like Abu Dhabi and Dubai without the hassle of multiple visa applications. The Schengen-style unified GCC Grand Tours visa is expected to be available by the end of 2024, and travel companies are likely to launch tour packages covering several Middle Eastern countries once implemented.
Southern Africa - Univisa
The Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe and Zambia. | Image credit: Heinz-Peter Schwerin/Shutterstock
Five southern African countries - Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe - are members of the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA TCA), a vast nature reserve spread across the Caprivi Strip, Chobe National Park, and Victoria Falls. While these countries already offer a limited Univisa programme allowing travel between Zambia and Zimbabwe, the new initiative plans to expand it into a full Schengen-style multi-entry visa, granting access to all five nations.
The KAZA TFCA is the second-largest nature and landscape conservation organisation in southern Africa, stretching along the five nations. The Schengen-style visa will eliminate the need for separate visas and allow seamless exploration of southern Africa’s diverse wildlife, mighty waterfalls, expansive savannas, and breathtaking landscapes.
Southeast Asia
Railay beach, Krabi, Thailand | Image credit: Sven Hansche/Shutterstock
Thailand is proposing a Schengen-style visa programme for Southeast Asia. This initiative, if implemented, could potentially allow border-free travel between Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Vietnam, and Laos. The proposed single visa initiative aims to attract long-haul travellers to extend their stay and explore the wonders of Southeast Asia across six countries.
This is being discussed at a time when Thailand also has several visa-free regimes ongoing for multiple nationalities and Cambodia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Vietnam and Laos have e-visa/visa-on-arrival policies.
Benefits of the Schengen-style multi-country
Imagine a single visa that unlocks the wonders of multiple countries! This is the promise of a Schengen-style multi-country visa, a concept gaining traction in several regions. The benefits include:
Simplified application process
Image credit: UladzimirZuyeu/Shutterstock
Applying for visas can be time-consuming, gathering required documents and navigating various application processes. When applying for visas to multiple countries, the process becomes more cumbersome. A unified Schengen-style multi-country visa streamlines this by allowing one application for many destinations.
Explore multiple countries with a single visa
Multi-country Schengen-style visas allow tourists to cover several countries on a single trip with a single visa. This is particularly exciting for regions like Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and southern Africa, where diverse cultures and breathtaking landscapes are often spread across borders.
Reduced visa-related costs
Visas are costly, adding a significant expense to our international travel budget. For instance, the UAE visa costs approximately INR 7,000, the Qatar visa is INR 2,300, and the Saudi Arabia visa is INR 7,500. Applying for all three visas will cost about INR 17,000.
In contrast, the Schengen visa costs approximately INR 8,000 and permits entry to 29 European countries. The aim of the Schengen-style visa is to offer a cost-effective solution to this expense.
Longer vacations
The Schengen-style visa will lead to extended stays, as travellers will be encouraged to spend longer vacations across the region. It is unlikely for a tourist to just spend a few days when the visa unlocks access to more destinations.
The Middle East plans to take advantage of this opportunity by offering travel packages covering the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait, with two- to three-night stays in three of these countries. The travel packages will be offered for AED 4-5000 (approximately INR 90,963-1,13,704), inclusive of stay, visa cost, and tours.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the idea behind Schengen-style visas for other regions?
The idea behind Schengen-style visas is to encourage travellers to explore other countries besides the popular ones in the region by offering visa-free travel in the territories through one unified visa. This will help boost the economy and offer smoother travel options to international tourists.
- When will the Middle East release its Schengen-style GCC Grand Tours visa?
The Middle East plans on granting the Schengen-style GCC Grand Tours visa by the end of 2024.
- How do multi-country visa programmes benefit the region?
The Schengen-style multi-country visa programmes will benefit the regions by offering an easier visa application process and accessibility to multiple countries through just one visa.

JOHANNESBURG - The Patriotic Alliance says it`s willing to take the Police Ministry if Home Affairs isn`t up for grabs. The party has been gunning for Home Affairs, promising to mass deport all illegal foreigners. But party leader Gayton McKenzie says his past gangster life equips him to be Police Minister. `I`m equipped because of my past life, future life and my current life.`