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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SENIOR officials have been implicated in a passport theft and illegal sales syndicate operating from two Home Affairs offices in Durban.

At least five incidents of theft have taken place at the two Home Affairs offices in Durban.
The Independent on Saturday received an anonymous tip-off last month after its story about Durban student Anvir Chunilall, who discovered his passport had been stolen when he went to collect it from the Umgeni Road Home Affairs office. Chunilall said he was told at the time that “an entire batch of official documents had gone missing.” He described the situation as alarming and said it raised serious concerns about the security and integrity at Home Affairs offices.

Shortly after the story was published, whistleblowers reached out and alleged that senior provincial Home Affairs officials were part of a syndicate which orchestrated the theft and sale of passports belonging to South African men of Indian descent. They claimed these were sold for huge amounts to foreigners who were mainly from Pakistan and Bangladesh. According to the whistleblowers, at least 100 passports have already gone missing since the fraudulent activities started last year, while the lock to the passport storage facility had been broken and had still not been fixed.

Yesterday the Department of Home Affairs confirmed that its Counter Corruption and Security Services Branch as well as the police were investigating five incidents of passport theft reported from the Umgeni Road and Commercial Street offices in Durban. It said that the first recorded incident of passport theft occurred in August 2024.

“At this stage, the Department does not have any information that implicates senior officials in relation to the theft of passports in Umgeni and Commercial Street offices,” said spokesman Siya Qoza. He urged anyone with information to come forward saying that the Department would investigate all reported allegations.

When questioned about existing controls to avoid fraud, Qoza said that all documents were stored in lockable facilities. “Each document is recorded once it is received and when it is issued to the owner. These measures were in place in the two offices. The Department enhances its security procedures on a regular basis.” said Qoza.

Stolen passports, he said, were flagged with Ports of Entry and the Department had case numbers for the incidents reported to the police. Interpol was also informed. “All passports are activated through the fingerprints of the owner. This makes it difficult for anyone to use them if they were not issued through the correct processes.”

According to Qoza, each passport application was initiated by the owners’ fingerprints and photos. The same fingerprints and photos are required to activate the passport when collected, ensuring traceability.

The activated passports were also on the Department's databases, which made it possible for them to trace the documents.

Qoza stressed the Department’s zero-tolerance stance on corruption, which is why all reported allegations were investigated.
“We investigate all allegations to protect the integrity of our documents and restore public confidence.

Fraudulent activities have long been a struggle in the Department and several measures have been put in place to root out any criminal activities. He said Home Affairs regularly informed the public about its successes in disciplining its officials who were charged with misconduct.
In addition to this, the Department had also publicly communicated that it had embarked on a digital transformation agenda where most of its processes would be digitised. Qoza said by digitising its processes the instances of “human discretion” would be minimised.

Yesterday he appealed to anyone with information to come forward saying that the Department adhered to the provisions of the Protected Disclosures Act.

“This affords protection to the heroes who provide valuable information about crime and misconduct in the Department. The Department values whistle-blowers. It also has the Policy on the Reporting of Unethical Behaviour, Misconduct and Corruption that encourages officials to speak out against fraud and corruption and outlines available protection to those who report.
This policy is regularly revised to take into account latest developments in the area of protecting whistle-blowers,” said Qoza.

Four of South Africa’s most beloved beaches have been recognised among the world’s best in the newly launched Corona Beach 100 — a first-of-its-kind global guide celebrating the most breathtaking coastal destinations on earth.

The guide’s ‘Sun Rating’ system, inspired by Michelin-style guide but rooted in natural wonder, were determined by an international panel of oceanographers, surfers, free divers, and environmentalists, with one sun for beaches worth the trip, two for those worth the journey, and three for destinations considered life-changing.

In South Africa, Kraalbaai in Langebaan was awarded the top-tier three-sun rating, celebrated for its untouched beauty and tranquil lagoon waters. Boulders Beach, home to the country’s famous penguin colony, earned a two-sun rating for its unique wildlife and serenity. Meanwhile, the idyllic Nature’s Valley, Plettenberg Bay and the iconic Camps Bay, Cape Town, each received one sun, making them must-visit spots for both South Africans and global travellers in search of unforgettable seaside moments seeking unforgettable seaside moments.

The guide is part of Corona’s global centennial celebrations, honouring 100 years of living the beachside lifestyle — and encouraging people everywhere to embrace a life lived outdoors. Through this celebration, the brand pays tribute to its legacy of connecting with nature, slowing down, and embodying the art of relaxation.

“Corona has always had a deep-rooted connection to outdoor living — it’s in the DNA of the brand,” said Vaughan Croeser, Vice President of Marketing at South African Breweries. “This connection has driven a century of innovation rooted in simplicity, sustainability, and the belief that nature brings out our best selves. Through initiatives like the Corona Beach 100, we’re proud to continue inspiring people to reconnect with the outdoors and appreciate the world’s natural wonders.”

South Africans can look forward to a series of Corona 100 celebrations taking place locally over the coming months.

Yes, your spouse can apply for a Spousal Visa to immigrate to South Africa if you are a South African citizen, including cases where you hold dual citizenship. South African immigration laws permit foreign spouses of South African citizens or permanent residents to apply for this visa, regardless of whether the South African citizen holds citizenship of another country.

However, several requirements and processes need to be followed to secure a Spousal Visa, and the fact that you hold dual citizenship may introduce some nuances. Below is a detailed explanation of the eligibility criteria, application requirements, benefits, and potential challenges your spouse may face.

1. Eligibility Criteria for a Spousal Visa

The South African Immigration Act (No. 13 of 2002, as amended) outlines the eligibility requirements for a Spousal Visa. To qualify:

1. Marriage Requirement:

o The applicant (your spouse) must be legally married to you as the South African citizen or permanent resident.

o Proof of a valid marriage certificate is required.

o Customary marriages and same-sex marriages are also recognized under South African law, provided they are legally registered.

2. Proof of Relationship:

o The marriage must be genuine and not entered into solely for immigration purposes.

o Evidence such as photographs, joint bank accounts, shared property ownership, or affidavits may be required.

3. Sponsor’s Citizenship Status:

o You must demonstrate your South African citizenship, even if you also hold foreign citizenship.

o A valid South African ID document or passport is required.

4. Dual Citizenship Compliance:

o As a South African citizen holding dual citizenship, you must ensure that you have retained your South African citizenship through formal notification to the Department of Home Affairs, as required under the South African Citizenship Act.

o Proof of retention or confirmation of South African citizenship may need to be provided.

5. Financial Support Proof:

o The South African sponsor must prove they have sufficient financial means to support the spouse during their stay.

2. Benefits of the Spousal Visa

1. Right to Work, Study, or Run a Business:

o Unlike other visas, a Spousal Visa allows the applicant to apply for an endorsement to work, study, or operate a business in South Africa without needing a separate work or business visa.

2. Renewable Long-Term Visa:

o The Spousal Visa is typically issued for 2-3 years and is renewable, as long as the marriage remains valid.

3. Pathway to Permanent Residence:

o After 5 years of marriage, the spouse may qualify for permanent residence in South Africa, provided the couple can prove that the relationship remains genuine and ongoing.

4. Simplified Application Process:

o Processing times for a Spousal Visa are often shorter than for other types of visas, particularly if all documentation is properly submitted.

5. Family Reunification:

o The visa prioritizes family unity, making it easier for spouses to live together in South Africa without requiring employer sponsorship.

3. Challenges and Potential Cons of the Spousal Visa

1. Proof of Marriage Authenticity:

o Couples may face scrutiny to ensure the marriage is genuine and not a means to gain immigration benefits. This process may involve interviews or requests for additional evidence.

2. Dependency on Sponsor:

o The visa is dependent on the South African spouse’s citizenship and relationship status. If the marriage ends (through divorce or death), the visa may no longer be valid, and the foreign spouse would need to apply for a different visa to remain in the country.

3. Renewal Requirements:

o Although the visa can be renewed, the couple must repeatedly prove that their relationship is still valid, which may involve periodic reviews and paperwork.

4. Delays in Processing:

o While processing times are usually shorter than for work visas, delays at Home Affairs can still occur, particularly if any documentation is missing or incorrect.

5. Impact of Dual Citizenship:

o Holding dual citizenship can sometimes lead to extra scrutiny from the Department of Home Affairs, particularly if there are doubts about whether you retained your South African citizenship legally.

4. Application Process for a Spousal Visa

Step 1: Gather Documents

• Certified copy of the South African spouse’s ID or passport showing South African citizenship.

• Proof of dual citizenship retention (if applicable).

• Marriage certificate and proof of a genuine relationship.

• Financial statements proving the sponsor can support the spouse.

• Medical and radiological reports for the applicant.

• Police clearance certificates from all countries where the applicant has lived for more than 12 months.

Step 2: Submit the Application

• Applications must be submitted at the South African embassy or consulate in the applicant’s home country.

• If the applicant is already in South Africa on another visa, an application for a change of status may be submitted at the Department of Home Affairs.

Step 3: Receive Outcome

• Processing times generally range from 8–12 weeks, but this may vary depending on the volume of applications and administrative efficiency.

5. Dual Citizenship Considerations

Since you hold dual citizenship, it is essential to ensure:

1. South African Citizenship Retention:

o Confirm that you did not lose your South African citizenship when acquiring foreign citizenship.

o Retention certificates may be requested during the visa application process.

2. Use of South African Passport:

o When entering and leaving South Africa, you must use your South African passport and not the passport of your other nationality, as required by South African law.

3. Declaration of Marital Status:

o Ensure your marriage is registered with the South African Department of Home Affairs, as this is a prerequisite for the Spousal Visa application.

6. Alternatives to a Spousal Visa

If your spouse does not qualify for a Spousal Visa, other options include:

1. Life Partner Visa – For couples in permanent cohabitation relationships without formal marriage. Requires proof of a relationship lasting 2 years or more.

2. Relative’s Visa – For spouses who may not qualify under the spousal category but have other qualifying relationships to South African citizens.

3. Work or Business Visa – If your spouse intends to work or run a business in South Africa, these visas may be considered.

7. Final Thoughts

In summary, your spouse can absolutely apply for a Spousal Visa to immigrate to South Africa, even if you hold dual citizenship, as long as you can prove your South African citizenship and the validity of your marriage. This visa offers significant flexibility, including the ability to work, study, or start a business, but it does require ongoing compliance with immigration laws and renewal processes.

To streamline the process, it is recommended to consult an immigration specialist to review your documentation and assist with the application.

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No one goes into the legal profession thinking it is going to be easy. Long working hours are fairly standard, work is often completed to tight external deadlines, and 24/7 availability to clients is widely understood to be a norm, particularly in commercial and international practice.

But too often, the demands of law can create an unhealthy workplace environment. In 2021, the stress of high workloads, low job control, and risks of secondary trauma led SafeWork NSW to categorise legal work as “high risk” for fatigue hazards – putting it alongside night shift work, emergency services, and fly-in, fly-out roles.

To investigate this problem, we surveyed about 1,900 lawyers across Victoria, New South Wales and Western Australia in March and April last year.

We asked them about their workplace culture and its impact on wellbeing, about their levels of psychological distress, and whether they had experienced disrespectful behaviours at work.

We also asked whether they intended to leave either their employer or the legal profession in the near future.

Their answers allowed us to identify the type of workplace culture that is harmful to lawyers’ wellbeing. Here’s why fixing this problem matters to us all.

Unhealthy environments

Among the professionals we surveyed, about half found themselves in a workplace culture with negative effects on wellbeing.

A third of this group said their workplaces were characterised by poor working relationships, self-interest and pressure to cut corners or bend rules.

Alarming numbers of lawyers currently want to leave their current employer or quit the profession entirely.

These poorer workplace cultures involved higher levels of psychological distress and more disrespectful behaviours from superiors and coworkers.

They were also characterised by a lack of effective wellbeing supports such as mental health leave arrangements or workload allocation practices.

Long working hours were common. More than half of participants (53%) said they worked more than 40 hours per week and 11% said they put in more than 60 hours.

About a third of the lawyers we surveyed wanted to quit their firm, while 10% planned to leave the profession, within a year.

Society can’t afford to ignore this problem. Lawyer wellbeing can directly affect the quality of legal services and may even lead to disciplinary action against individual lawyers. All of this can undermine public trust and confidence in the justice system.

Workload ‘cannot be sustained’

We invited participants to explain why they intended to leave the profession. Their answers are telling.

One mid-career lawyer at a large firm said:

I am in my 11th year of practice working as a Senior Associate at a top-tier firm. To put it bluntly, the work rate at which I am currently operating, which is required to meet the billable targets and budgets set for us, cannot be sustained for my whole working life – it’s too much.

A small-firm junior lawyer talked of the workload issues described by many:

The pay is not worth the stress. I can’t sleep because I’m constantly worried about deadlines or making mistakes, and I got paid more when I was a bartender. I love the work, but it’s a very tough slog and damaging my own wellbeing – for what?

Our data showed junior lawyers take a lot of the pressure, reflected in higher-than-average levels of psychological distress. Equally concerning was the extent to which senior lawyers with practice management responsibilities also reported above average distress.

Our research also showed the challenges extended beyond private practice and into government, legal aid and corporate “in-house” settings.

As one mid-career legal aid lawyer put it:

Lack of debriefing and supports, lack of formal mentoring and supervision, mental health toll, high workload and poor workplace culture, lack of training and supports to deal with clients in crisis, [mean it’s] not [a] family-friendly profession.

The positives

There was also good news. Three themes stood out in the responses from the 48% who told us they worked in positive workplace cultures. This suggests where support should be targeted.

For nearly two thirds of our sample, having good colleagues was the most important wellbeing support. As one mid-career lawyer put it:

Informal support such as debriefing with colleagues has been most beneficial for me.

Good flexible working and (mental health) leave arrangements came across as the most important practical support employers could provide.

Good workload allocation practices - and a willingness from managers to “reach out to discuss work-life balance” - make a real difference to peoples’ experience.

Support from colleagues was the most important wellbeing support. UM-UMM/Shutterstock

It matters to the rest of us

The legal profession and its regulators have been engaging with the wellbeing problem for a while now. Our findings suggest there is still more to be done.

For the profession as a whole we felt that there was still a need to develop greater understanding of the specific wellbeing needs of both junior lawyers and those managing them, as these are the two groups experiencing the most distress.

Legal regulatory bodies should work to better understand how economic drivers of legal practice, such as high workloads and billing expectations, can have negative consequences for wellbeing, and whether any regulatory levers could lessen these impacts.