IMPACT – MEDIUM

Botswana has resumed some in-country immigration services that had been suspended because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Key Points:

  • Services such as the issuance of passports and processing of work permit applications have resumed.
  • Travelers still must obtain permission to enter or exit the country.
  • Travelers must also obtain zonal permits to travel across zones within the country.

Analysis & Comments: The resumption of immigration services is good news for employers and foreign employees in Botswana, though they should take note that many travel restrictions still remain in place. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

 

 

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs and VFS Global have opened visa application centers in Botswana and Zimbabwe.

What does the change mean? Foreign nationals must now apply in person for South African visas and permits at the new applications centers, located in Gaborone in Botswana and Harare and Bulawayo in Zimbabwe.

  • Implementation time frame: Immediate and ongoing.
  • Visas/permits affected: All visas and permits.
  • Who is affected: Foreign nationals applying for South African visas or permits in Botswana or Zimbabwe.
  • Impact on processing times: The application centers are expected to improve the visa-application process, especially in Zimbabwe.

Background: VFS Global has previously worked with the South African government to establish visa application centers in Angola, China, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Uganda and the United Kingdom. VFS Global also operates a number of visa application centers throughout South Africa. The Department of Home Affairs has said it plans to work with VFS global on a visa application center in the United Arab Emirates, though that center is not open yet.

BAL Analysis: South African visa and permit applicants should take note of the new application centers, which are now accepting applications on behalf of South African consular missions in Botswana and Zimbabwe. The centers should ease visa and permit processing as they have in South Africa and a number of foreign countries.

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

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