Refugees who arrived after lockdown have no way to apply for asylum

https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2021-11-07-refugees-who-arrived-after-lockdown-have-no-way-to-apply-for-asylum/

The closure of Refugee Reception Offices (RRO) since the Covid-19 lockdown last year has left asylum seekers vulnerable to arrest and deportation. The offices remain closed for new asylum applications and in-person renewal of permits that expired prior to March 2020.

“Many newcomer asylum seekers are therefore at risk of arrest, detention, deportation and are struggling to access basic services due to their lack of documentation,” said Attorney Jessica Lawrence, of Lawyers for Human Rights (LHR).

Lawrence said that during a recent meeting, a Home Affairs official said that newcomer asylum seekers should all have been issued with an asylum transit visa at the border, which would normally be extended by an immigration officer later.

“Asylum transit visas are only valid for five days. Though he did not say this, it was clear that he therefore deemed this as appropriate documentation for newcomer asylum seekers pending the re-opening of the RROs,” she said.

GroundUp was unable to get clarification from Home Affairs on asylum transit visas, when its RROs will reopen, and when it will start assisting new asylum seekers.

According to a 30 September circular sent to refugee organisations by the UN Refugee Agency South Africa Multi-country Office (Samco), Home Affairs has resumed permanent residence permit appeal applications from 1 October, and it will start processing permanent residence permit applications only from 1 January 2022.

www.samigration.com

 

Illegal immigration | Motsoaledi says arrest of Home Affairs officials looming

ENCA - 7 November  2021 -

Home Affairs Minister, Aaron Motsoaledi says some Home Affairs officials involved in this may face legal consequences.

JOHANNESBURG - Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi says there's been progress in dealing with illegal immigration.

Motsoaledi says some Home Affairs officials involved in this may face legal consequences.

He was speaking at a media briefing to provide an update on the truck drivers' protest.

"In this 12 months period, the number of undocumented people which were found in 23 road operations was 28," he said.

"We are hoping, once the border management authority comes into operation, very few people will be coming in illegally.

"We have established an anti-corruption which is doing well almost every day."

www.samigration.com

 

South African Spousal Visa

This type of South Africa Spouse or life partner permit is available to people in either heterosexual or same-sex relationships and can be applied for as either a spouse temporary residence permit or a permanent residence permit depending on the length of the marriage or relationship in question.

Foreigners who are spouses of South African citizensor permanent resident holders may apply for permanent residence.
To obtain permanent residence, you would have to have been with your partner for more than 5 years.

Being one of the most progressive countries in the world in recognizing same-sex couples and affording them equal rights to that of heterosexual unions South Africa grants spousal permits to life partners in both same-sex and heterosexual relationships.

1. The spousal permit is classified under the relative’s visa category and is renewable.
2. The spousal visa is issued for a period of 24 months at a time.
3. It is a temporary residency visa and is only issued to foreign nationals who can prove a committed relationship with a South African citizen or person holding permanent residency.
4. The couple must be able to prove a relationship longer than two years

If you would like to study or work while in the Republic you may do so but you would have to apply for working rights to be added to your visa. Persons on a spousal permit may also only apply to have either study, or business or working rights added to their visa, but not all three. This means that if you added a working rights endorsement to your visa you may only work for an employer.

 

South African Study Visa

Download Nigerian_Diaspora_-_Visas_-_Procedures_Video_2019-09-23_at_10.41.34.mp4

South Africa is emerging as one of the world's most exciting study destinations. This is demonstrated in the rapidly increasing number of international students. Because of international exchange rates, South Africa offers real educational value for money.

South Africa is a popular destination for foreign students. The country boasts top schools, the weather is perfect, and the exchange rate makes for affordable students living. Foreign students can apply for a student Visa if enrolled full-time in registered school.
Student visa holders are are allowed to work part time and can renew this visa as long there still studying.

A study visa may be issued to foreigner intending to study in South Africa for longer than three month's. For the purpose of the Act, study shall mean study at primary secondary or tertiary educational institution or any bona fide institution of learning, including but not limited to professional training, cultural, technical, research,vocational,sportive,language and entertainment institutions of learnings.

SA Migration Services will professionally help you to get the necessary study Visas to study in South Africa.

South African Permanent Residence

South Africa encourages permanent residency if you are serious about staying in South Africa on a long terms permanent basis there are many categories you can apply under.

• Hold a General Work Visa for five years and have a permanent job offer.
• Hold a Relative’s Visa sponsored by an immediate family member.
• Hold a Critical Skills Visa and have 5 years relevant work experience.
• Be in a proven life partner relationship for five years
• Be married to an SA Spouse for at least five years.
• Have held Refugee Asylum Status for five years.
• Hold a Business Visa.
• Receive a monthly income of R37,000 through Pension or Retirement Annuity
• Have a net asset worth of R12m and payment to Home Affairs of R120,000

www.samigration.com