US Expands Travel Ban to Twenty-Five African Countries

Countries Including Ethiopia, Ghana, Nigeria, Malawi, Senegal, and Cameroon, New Update You Need to Know

The US travel ban expansion is poised to significantly impact Africa’s tourism sector, with 25 African nations now facing the threat of full or partial entry bans. Countries like Egypt, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, and others are under scrutiny due to national security risks, unreliable identification systems, and high rates of visa overstays. With a strict 60-day deadline to comply with new U.S. standards, African nations are now navigating an uncertain future as they try to avoid further harm to their crucial tourism industries. This article delves into the profound Africa tourism impact of this expansion and its potential consequences on the continent’s travel and tourism landscape.

A Severe Challenge for African Tourism
The Africa tourism impact of this decision is expected to be substantial. Many African countries rely heavily on tourism as a primary economic driver, with the U.S. representing one of the largest sources of international visitors. The proposed travel ban could lead to a drop in the number of American tourists, reduced business partnerships, and potential reputational damage for several African nations that depend on a healthy tourism flow.

For nations like Egypt, which boasts iconic sites such as the Pyramids and the Sphinx, the impact could be devastating. Similarly, Tanzania’s tourism industry, known for the Serengeti and Mount Kilimanjaro, could lose a major portion of its U.S. market. The Africa tourism impact is felt deeply in regions where tourism plays a key role in sustaining local economies, providing jobs, and attracting international investments.

Reasons Behind the Ban
The US travel ban expansion is driven by a mix of national security concerns and logistical issues related to visa overstays and identity verification. Many African countries under review have been flagged for their inability to provide reliable identification systems, which is a key factor for U.S. immigration authorities to assess security risks. Additionally, high visa overstays in certain countries have led to concerns about individuals overstaying their allowed time in the U.S., further justifying the potential for more stringent travel restrictions.

Countries like Egypt, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe have also been identified for not meeting the U.S. government’s expectations when it comes to deportation agreements and the lack of cooperation in accepting nationals who are being removed from the U.S. These factors combined have prompted the U.S. to initiate the travel restrictions Africa now faces.

Affected Countries: A Snapshot of the Situation
The following African nations are among the 25 that could see their citizens face travel bans:
• Egypt
• Tanzania
• Zimbabwe
• Angola
• Benin
• Burkina Faso
• Cameroon
• Côte d’Ivoire
• Democratic Republic of Congo
• Malawi
• Nigeria
• South Sudan
• Zambia
These countries represent a significant portion of Africa’s tourism economy. With destinations like Egypt’s ancient monuments, Tanzania’s world-renowned safari parks, and Zimbabwe’s Victoria Falls, the Africa tourism impact could be deeply felt if the bans come into effect.
Diplomatic and Economic Repercussions

This Africa tourism impact extends beyond just the tourism sector. A potential decline in U.S. visitors could lead to a reduction in the revenue generated by hospitality, transportation, and local businesses that thrive on international tourism. Many African nations rely on the U.S. as a vital source of tourists, and losing this market could stunt their growth in an already competitive global tourism landscape.

Moreover, the diplomatic relations between the U.S. and these African countries could face strain. Several of these nations, such as Egypt and Nigeria, maintain strong political and economic ties with the United States. For these countries, meeting the U.S. requirements could be a delicate balancing act between complying with U.S. demands and protecting their own national interests.

Increased Tensions and the Growing Backlash
The US travel ban expansion has sparked protests and widespread criticism, both in the U.S. and abroad. Civil rights groups and tourism advocates are voicing strong opposition, with many calling the move discriminatory. Critics argue that the new restrictions unfairly target African nations, many of which are still developing their tourism industries and rely on international visitors to support local economies.
• The ban is seen by many as a continuation of the policies from the Trump era, which were criticized for disproportionately affecting Black and brown countries.
• The tourism restrictions Africa now faces may provoke a global backlash, with calls for greater cooperation between countries rather than punitive measures based on nationality.

In African countries, activists and tourism industry leaders are mobilizing to push back against the U.S. restrictions, urging their governments to engage in diplomatic discussions with Washington to find a more equitable solution.

What’s Next for Africa’s Tourism?
The 60-day deadline for affected nations to meet new U.S. standards is rapidly approaching, and the Africa tourism impact could be dire if these countries fail to comply. For many nations, this represents a crucial opportunity to strengthen ties with the U.S. by demonstrating a commitment to improving security protocols and identity verification systems.

However, for countries like Egypt, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe, whose tourism industries are heavily reliant on U.S. visitors, this may be a turning point. The potential loss of a key market could drive these nations to make swift diplomatic efforts to ensure that they meet the necessary criteria and avoid further economic setbacks.

Conclusion: Navigating the Future
As the US travel ban expansion continues to unfold, the Africa tourism impact is becoming increasingly clear. African nations face a critical challenge to protect their tourism industries while meeting the stringent demands from the U.S. government. The road ahead for these nations will require delicate diplomacy, cooperation, and rapid adaptation to the evolving international travel landscape. Whether or not these countries can meet the U.S. requirements in time will determine the future of their tourism sectors—and their broader economic health.

How do I apply for permanent residence as an asylum seeker?

The short answer
Here is how to apply for a critical skills visa.

The whole question
I have been an asylum seeker for 13 years.
I saw an article on GroundUp that asylum seekers can apply for permanent residence or other forms of permits. I have a certificate in telecommunications.
How do I go about this?

The long answer
The Constitutional Court ruled in 2018 that any foreigner, including refugees and asylum seekers, could apply for temporary or permanent residence, and that this could be granted if the person fulfilled the requirements of the Immigration Act.

A person applying for permanent residence can apply from inside the country; a person applying for temporary residence has to apply from outside of the country, but you can get an exemption from this by applying to Home Affairs. (This is called a Waiver of Regulation 9(5)). VSF Global, the company that processes applications for Home Affairs, says that it will immediately accept submissions at all their offices for exemptions from having to apply for temporary residence from outside the country. A temporary residence visa includes a study visa, a business visa, a critical skills visa and a spousal visa. All of these will have different qualifications.

To apply for Temporary or Permanent Residency, you need to have the following documents ready:
• Proof of residence or spousal citizenship in South Africa
• Government issued Marriage Certificate (if you are married)
• A letter of support from the partner that holds citizenship/permanent residency
• Proof of current mental records and well-being
• A completed temporary or permanent residency application form

To apply for a critical skills visa, you need to apply online through VFS Global.
You will need to prove that you qualify for the critical skills visa by showing that your occupation is on the critical skills list.
You will need to submit a birth certificate, a medical certificate

Your passport must be valid for 30 days after your current permit expires.
VSF will submit your application to Home Affairs and they will process it, which is supposed to take about eight to ten weeks, though it could well take longer.

You will be notified by VSF to collect the outcome.
If you succeed, the critical skills visa will be valid for up to five years, though you will have to find employment within the first twelve months and notify Home Affairs of this. Once you have completed five years of employment, you can apply for a permanent resident visa.

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📧 Email: info@samigration.com
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Can I get permanent residency if my child is a South African citizen

The short answer
Yes , but you need to apply for a relative’s visa first.

The whole question
My daughter is a South African citizen. Does this mean I can apply for permanent residency? If not, are there other permits or visas I can apply for?

The long answer
You are eligible to apply for permanent residence on the basis of your daughter being a South African citizen, but as you are the parent of a South African citizen, you can apply for a relative’s visa. The South African citizen – your daughter – would need to provide financial assurance (R8,500 a month) for you as the foreign relative.

It could take months for Home Affairs to process a visitor’s visa, given the massive backlog of applications they have.

A relative’s visa is issued for two years and you are not allowed to work or study while on this visa, but you can apply for the visa to be endorsed to allow you to work if you are offered employment. That is called "changing the conditions of existing visa".

"You are eligible to apply for permanent residence via your child and if you have been in possession of work visas for at least the past five consecutive years, with a permanent job offer secured in South Africa. A minimum of five years’ work permits need to have been endorsed in a passport."

The Ernst & Young website reports that there has been a revised Critical Skills list published by the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) on 3 October 2023:
"Effective 3 October 2023, engineers who possess 'candidate registration status' with a professional body are eligible to apply for Critical Skills Work Visas and permanent residence permits. In addition, university lecturers who are not members of the South African Council of Educators (SACE) can now apply for Critical Skills Work Visas provided they are registered with a professional body in their field of expertise and employed as educators or lecturers in an accredited higher learning institution in certain subject matter areas."

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📞 WhatsApp: +27 82 373 8415
📧 Email: info@samigration.com
🌐 Website: www.samigration.com
Your compliance is our priority—let’s build your future together

South African relationship Visa



This type of South African relationship or life companion permit is available to individuals in legally recognized relationships and can be applied for as either a temporary residence permit or a permanent residence permit, depending on the length of the union or relationshipship in question.

Foreign nationals who are relationships of South African citizens or permanent residents may apply for permanent residence. To qualify, the relationship must have existed for more than five years.

As a country that acknowledges diverse relationshipships and grants them the same legal recognition, South Africa issues relationship permits to individuals in all legally recognized relationships.

The relationship permit falls under the relatives' visa category and is renewable. The visa is typically issued for 36 months at a time but cannot exceed the validity period of the passport. It is a temporary residency visa available to foreign nationals who can demonstrate a committed relationship with a South African citizen or permanent resident holder. The couple must provide proof of a relationship longer than two years.

If you intend to study or work while in South Africa, you must apply for the necessary rights to be added to your visa. Individuals on a relationship permit may request either study, business, or work rights, but not all three. This means that if a work authorization is granted, you may only be employed by an approved employer.

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Is it Possible to Operate More Than One Business in South Africa? – A Detailed Explanation

Yes, it is absolutely possible to operate more than one business in South Africa—both for South African citizens and foreign nationals. However, the process and legal requirements depend on several factors, including business registration, ownership structure, tax compliance, and, for foreign nationals, their visa or permit conditions.

This detailed explanation outlines the legal framework, visa regulations, business structures, and key considerations when operating multiple businesses in South Africa.

1. Legal Framework for Operating Multiple Businesses

In South Africa, businesses are governed by the following acts and regulatory authorities:

• Companies Act, 2008 (Act No. 71 of 2008): Establishes rules for registering and operating companies.

• CIPC (Companies and Intellectual Property Commission): Regulates company registrations and filings.

• South African Revenue Service (SARS): Ensures tax compliance and VAT registration.

• Labour Laws: Govern employee relations, wages, and conditions.

• Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC): Oversees compliance with sector-specific regulations.

Multiple Business Ownership

• An individual or legal entity (such as a company or trust) can own multiple businesses, either as separate legal entities or divisions under one company.

• These businesses can operate in different industries or the same sector.

• Each business may be required to have separate registrations for tax, VAT, and employment compliance depending on its structure.

2. Business Structures for Multiple Businesses

(a) Separate Legal Entities (Multiple Companies)

• Each business is registered as a separate company (e.g., Pty Ltd) with its own registration number and legal identity.

• Suitable for businesses operating in different industries or those needing distinct branding and financial accounts.

• Offers limited liability protection and tax benefits, but requires separate annual filings with CIPC and tax returns with SARS.

(b) Holding Company and Subsidiaries

• A holding company (parent company) owns subsidiary companies, which operate independently but are connected by ownership.

• This structure allows businesses to share resources while keeping operations distinct.

• Ideal for scaling businesses or expanding into new sectors without forming entirely unrelated entities.

(c) Single Company with Multiple Divisions

• One legal entity operates multiple divisions under its umbrella.

• Each division can have separate branding and operations, but profits and taxes are consolidated under the parent company’s tax profile.

• Easier to manage but may lack financial and legal separation, making it riskier in cases of liability claims.

3. Foreign Nationals and Multiple Businesses

Foreign nationals must adhere to immigration laws to operate multiple businesses in South Africa. The following scenarios explain how this can be done:

(a) Business Visa Holders

Foreigners on a business visa can establish and operate only the business specified in their visa application. However:

• They can amend their visa to include additional businesses by submitting a new business plan and proving they meet investment and employment criteria for each business.

• Alternatively, they can apply for a separate business visa for each new venture.

Key Requirements for Business Visa Amendments:

• Minimum investment of R5 million (unless waived by the Department of Home Affairs).

• Proof that at least 60% of employees in the new business are South African citizens or permanent residents.

• A feasibility study showing the viability of the new business.

(b) Permanent Residents or Work Visa Holders

• Foreigners with permanent residence in South Africa are treated the same as citizens and can operate multiple businesses without visa restrictions.

• Foreigners on work visas (e.g., general work visa or critical skills visa) must convert to a business visa to establish or own businesses.

4. Tax and Compliance Requirements

(a) Tax Registrations

• Each business must be registered with SARS for income tax and possibly VAT if annual turnover exceeds R1 million.

• Separate businesses must submit independent tax returns unless operating under a holding company structure.

(b) Financial Records

• Maintain separate accounting records for each business.

• Prepare annual financial statements and file them with CIPC where applicable.

(c) Employment Compliance

• Each business must register with:

1. UIF (Unemployment Insurance Fund) for employee benefits.

2. COIDA (Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act) for workplace insurance.

3. PAYE (Pay-As-You-Earn) for employee tax deductions.

5. Practical Examples of Multiple Business Ownership

Scenario 1: Single Entrepreneur with Separate Companies

A foreign entrepreneur opens a restaurant under a Pty Ltd structure and later decides to open a clothing store.

• They register two independent legal entities and manage them separately.

• Each business has unique tax profiles and financial statements.

Scenario 2: Parent Company with Subsidiaries

A South African IT consultancy establishes a parent company and creates subsidiaries for software development and hardware sales.

• Profits are consolidated at the holding company level.

• Subsidiaries have operational independence but share branding and administration resources.

6. Challenges of Operating Multiple Businesses

1. Administrative Burden:

o Separate businesses require multiple registrations, tax filings, and compliance audits, which can be costly and time-consuming.

2. Visa Limitations for Foreigners:

o Foreigners on a business visa must comply with investment and employment criteria for each business, increasing costs and delays.

3. Risk Management:

o Operating unrelated businesses under one entity can expose all divisions to legal risks if one business faces lawsuits or insolvency.

4. Labour Compliance:

o Employing workers across multiple businesses requires strict adherence to South African labour laws, including contracts, benefits, and workplace safety regulations.

7. Conclusion

Yes, it is possible to operate more than one business in South Africa, whether as separate legal entities, subsidiaries, or divisions under a single company.

For South African citizens and permanent residents, the process is straightforward, while foreign nationals face additional visa requirements. Foreigners holding a business visa may need to amend their visa or apply for a new one to include additional businesses.

Proper tax registration, labour law compliance, and financial management are essential when operating multiple businesses to avoid penalties and legal complications. Consulting a legal advisor or immigration consultant is recommended to navigate these requirements effectively.

How can we help you , please email us to info@samigration.com or whatsapp message me on: +27 82 373 8415, where are you now? check our website : www.samigration.com

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How can we help you?
Please email us to info@samigration.com
Whatsapp message us 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


Get More Info By Following Our Page: https://www.youtube.com/@samigration