Proposed amendments to 2014 immigration regulations published

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs has opened a public comment period on draft amendments to regulations that touch on a number of immigration programs and processes.

What does the change mean? Submissions from the public must be received on or before Oct. 14. The draft amendments touch on rules for parents traveling with children; requirements to establish a spousal relationship; processes for obtaining permanent residence; and revising the application forms for business, work and corporate visas.

• Implementation time frame: 
• Visas/permits affected: A number of visas and permits, including permanent residence and business, work and corporate visas.
• Who is affected: Employers and foreign nationals looking to work, reside or conduct business in South Africa.
• Next steps: Those interested in providing submissions can review the proposals on the Government Gazette

Background: South Africa adopted immigration regulations in 2014 that were widely viewed as restrictive and drew the opposition of business organizations that worried the changes would hurt business travel and tourism. Draft amendments to some of the 2014 regulations were recently published in the Government Gazette. The government has opened a public comment period, which comes to an end Oct. 14.

BAL Analysis: BAL continues to review the draft amendments for the impact they may have on clients and welcomes feedback or questions from those who would be affected by the changes.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group. For additional information, please contact your BAL attorney.

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