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IMPACT – MEDIUM
What is the change? The Department of Home Affairs, or DHA, has contracted with VFS Global to open visa facilitation centers across the country to handle applications within South Africa under upcoming amendments to South African immigration legislation.
What does the change mean? The amendments require foreign nationals to appear in person at VFS visa facilitation centers to submit their applications and biometric data. They will no longer submit their applications to the regional offices of the DHA.
Background: This change is part of a major immigration overhaul that BAL reported earlier this month. All applicants must report in person, including children. However, designated representatives may accompany applicants to the visa facilitation centers to submit applications and sit for biometric data. Applicants must present their passports, but can keep them while their applications are pending. Other details are as follows:
BAL Analysis: Once established, the visa facilitation centers are expected to streamline and improve the visa application processes from within South Africa. Businesses and foreign nationals should anticipate delays and challenges during the implementation phase.
This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group and our network provider located in South Africa. For additional information, please contact your BAL attorney.
Copyright © 2016 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.
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