South Africa Archives

IMPACT – HIGH

What is the change? The Department of Home Affairs has released temporary measures in furtherance of COVID-19 travel restrictions announced by the president Sunday.

Key measures:

Visa exemptions. Visa exemptions for nationals of the following high-risk countries are canceled with immediate effect: Germany, Iran, Italy, France, Switzerland, South Korea, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Visa exemptions for the following medium-risk countries/territories are canceled with immediate effect: Hong Kong, Portugal, and Spain. Nationals of the medium-risk countries will be required to apply for a visa at a South African consulate and submit a medical report attesting that they have not tested positive for COVID-19. Visa waiver agreements with countries the Department of Health deems high or medium risk will be suspended through issuance of travel alerts.
Entry bans. In accordance with the International Relations and Cooperation Ministry as per the World Health Organization, foreign nationals, regardless of whether they hold a visa, who are traveling from or transiting through the following countries are barred from entering: China, France Germany, Italy, Iran, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, the U.K., the U.S. will be denied entry, with immediate effect.
Visas. Visas issued to nationals of China or Iran on or before March 15, 2020 are revoked and are now null and void. Foreign nationals whose passport indicates they have visited high-risk countries will be denied port of entry visas or temporary residence visas. Visas will be denied to any foreign national who has traveled to a high-risk country in the previous 20 days. Visas already issued to travelers from high-risk countries are revoked for those who have not yet entered South Africa.
Visa renewals. Foreign nationals in South Africa whose temporary residence visa is soon to expire or has already expired and who originates from or would need to transit through a country affected by COVID-19, may re-apply for a new visa with a validity date through July 31, 2020. They must meet all visa criteria and requests for changes of status or conditions will not be allowed. Those whose temporary residence visa expires between Dec. 1, 2019 and March 31, 2020 may re-apply for a visa without needing to obtain a Form 20 authorization.
Arrival procedures. All international travelers, including South African citizens, will be required to fill out a Health Form upon arrival and undergo a medical screening for COVID-19. If required, travelers will be isolated or quarantined for at least 14 days. Travelers from medium-risk countries must undergo high-intensity screening. South African citizens returning from high-risk countries will be subject to testing, self-isolation or quarantine upon return.
Screening in-country. Travelers from high-risk countries who entered South Africa since Feb. 15 are required to present themselves for testing.

Analysis & Comments: Employers should continue to identify affected employees and reschedule or cancel travel if necessary. We are closely monitoring developments, including any changes to the list of countries deemed high- and medium risk and potential cancelation of visa exemptions for additional visa waivered nationals.

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 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 – HIGH

What is the change? In a national address, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced travel bans, visa cancelation and other measures as the world copes with COVID-19. South Africa has recorded 61 cases of the virus and Ramaphosa said the number of cases is expected to rise in the coming weeks.

Key travel restrictions:

Travel ban. Starting March 18, foreign nationals from the following high-risk countries will be banned from entering South Africa: China, Germany, Iran, Italy, South Korea, Spain, the United Kingdom and the United States. All travelers who have entered South Africa from high-risk countries since mid-February will be required to present themselves for testing.
Visas. With immediate effect, visas granted to nationals of the above countries are canceled. Any foreign national who has visited a high-risk country in the previous 20 days will be denied a visa.
Screening. Travelers from medium-risk countries, including Hong Kong, Portugal, or Singapore, will be required to undergo intensive screening.
South African citizens. South African citizens returning from a high-risk country will be subject to testing and either self-quarantine or quarantine upon return. South African citizens are advised to immediately refrain from travel to or transit through the European Union, the United States, the United Kingdom and other high-risk countries such as China, Iran and South Korea. Travel within South Africa that is non-essential, particularly by air, train, taxi or bus, is also discouraged.
Ports of entry. Thirty-five of the 53 land ports will shut down starting March 16. Screening and testing measures will be strengthened at OR Tambo, Cape Town and King Shaka International Airports.
Groups. Gatherings of more than 100 people are banned in South Africa.

Analysis & Comments: Companies should identify travelers who are subject to the travel ban, as well as visa holders and visa applicants affected by the new visa policies, and rearrange schedules if necessary. The situation is fluid and additional countries may be identified as high-risk and subject to travel restrictions. We are closely monitoring these developments and will report on changes as information becomes available.

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 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

African countries are responding to the spread of the COVID-19 virus with policies ranging from arrival screening to quarantine to travel bans. Below are the travel policies for Ghana, Kenya, Niger and South Africa.

Country	Travel ban	Screening	Quarantine	Affected nationals	Quarantine period
Ghana	No travel ban or blanket restriction.	Intensified screening and thermal scanning of all travelers at all ports of entry. Individuals exhibiting symptoms and who have been to one of the high-risk countries or have been exposed to the virus are quarantined immediately.	Currently, individuals who report general symptoms of influenza at hospitals are advised to self-quarantine at home for 14 days while doctors conduct further tests. Those exhibiting symptoms and have been exposed to the virus or have been to any of the high-risk countries (China, France, Italy, Japan or South Korea are quarantined at a government facility.	All travelers	2-14 days
Kenya	No official notice on travel bans, but the government has issued several advisories for Kenyans traveling out of the country and posted banners at all entry points sensitizing travelers on how to protect themselves and manage COVID-19.	Standard screening is conducted at all points of entry. Every traveler is required to fill out a travel history form before being cleared to proceed. Port Health is trained with test kits and on standby. Suspected cases are reported and referred to Kenyatta National Hospital.	Quarantine is at government health facilities and one hospital has been set up as an isolation facility. Individuals are also being asked to self-quarantine based on their travel history.	All travelers	14 days
Niger	No official notice of travel bans.	Protected measures as recommended by the World Health Organization are being taken as a precaution. Each flight is routinely checked. If an anomaly is detected, the passenger is immediately quarantined.	Quarantine is within the airport by the health authorities until tests are carried out.	All travelers	To be confirmed.
South Africa	No official notice of travel bans.	All inbound passengers are subject to thermal screening and required to fill out a medical questionnaire.	Military nurses at ports of entry conduct exams, if necessary. If exam raises concern, traveler is taken to hospital.	All travelers

Analysis & Comments: Travelers should check the policies for their destination country before travel, including any travel bans, as the situation is fluid and policies may change with little notice.

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 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 – HIGH

What is the change? In response to the international coronavirus outbreak, the Minister of Home Affairs released a policy document Monday that provides temporary concessions for Chinese nationals in the country.

What does the change mean? Chinese nationals holding visitor’s visas, intracompany transfer work visas, or temporary residence visas that are soon to expire may be eligible to apply for a visa to remain in the country.

Implementation time frame: Immediate and ongoing.
Visas/permits affected: Visitor’s visas, intracompany transfer work visas, temporary residence visas.
Business impact: Chinese nationals can avoid their visas expiring if they qualify for one of the concessions.
Next steps: Companies should account for their Chinese national employees and assess their eligibility for the concessions.

Background: Since the outbreak of the coronavirus in December, many countries have imposed travel restrictions on Chinese nationals and many airlines have canceled flights to China, stranding travelers worldwide. All inbound travelers from China to South Africa will be thermal screened on arrival. If the thermal screening or medical questionnaire raise any red flags, on-site medical personnel will perform a further exam. If the exam indicates the individual remains a concern, the individual is taken to the nearest hospital for further testing and treatment.

Chinese nationals already in South Africa with the following visas may apply for concessions:

Intracompany transfer work visas. Chinese nationals holding an intracompany transfer work visa (Section 11(2) endorsement of a visitor’s visa) that is due to expire within the next six months (by July 31, 2020) are allowed to reapply in-country for a visitor’s visa with the 11(2) work authorization for a period up to 180 days. Change of status or change in conditions will not be allowed.
Visitor’s visas. Chinese nationals holding a visitor’s visa that has reached the maximum validity and are normally not allowed to renew will be permitted to reapply for the same visa and same conditions for a period of up to three months. Change of status or conditions will not be allowed.
Temporary residence visas. Chinese nationals holding temporary residence visas with expiration dates between Dec. 1, 2019 and Feb. 29, 2020 will be allowed to apply for a renewal without the need for a FORM 20 authorization that they have first legalized their status.

Analysis & Comments: Companies with Chinese national employees who are eligible under the concessions should apply for visas or renewals as soon as possible. Employers and employees should also be aware of the procedures for all inbound travelers from China to South Africa.

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 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 does the change mean? South Africa has relaxed documentary requirements for minors traveling to South Africa from visa-exempt countries.

What does the change mean? Minors traveling to South Africa from visa-exempt countries are no longer required to carry birth certificates or a parental consent letter from an absent parent when traveling with one parent or with an adult other than a parent.

Implementation time frame: Immediate.
Visas/permits affected: Visa-exempt travel by minors.
Business impact: Employees traveling with minor children will have fewer documentary requirements.
Next steps: Those traveling with minor children are cautioned that the rule may not be implemented consistently and it is advisable to travel with the children’s additional documentation in case it is requested and to avoid delays.

Background: South Africa has been working to rescind documentation requirements for traveling minors put in place in 2015 but subsequently criticized for being overly burdensome and hurting tourism. Since last year, foreign children are generally not required to travel with an unabridged birth certificate if their passport contains details of the parental relationship. Parents or other adults traveling with South African children must present copies of the children’s birth certificate and/or other proof of the relationship. The new South African passports for minors contain the parents’ details.

Analysis & Comments: The change is consistent with South Africa’s agenda to relax barriers to travel and will ease documentation requirements for foreign minors traveling to South Africa from visa-exempt countries.

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 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. © 2019. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? South Africa is piloting e-visas at locations in Kenya this month and at the end of the month will look to expand them to additional countries.

What does the change mean? In addition to expanding e-visas to more countries after the pilot phase, South African officials intend to expand the program to more types of visas, including Critical Skills visas for high-skilled workers filling jobs for which local talent is scarce.

Implementation time frame: Ongoing.
Visas/permits affected: Visitor visas.
Business impact: E-visas allow travelers to apply for visas online and receive an emailed copy of their visa to print out before traveling to South Africa. Biometrics may be requested.

Background: E-visas were among the policy priorities set by the Department of Home Affairs in its annual budget in July. Officials are also expanding visa exemptions to more nationals, having recently extended visa waivers to New Zealand, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

Analysis & Comments: South Africa has been moving toward liberalizing visas, reducing bureaucracy and making processing more efficient. The introduction of e-visas is a welcome development that will provide faster and more convenient processing for eligible visa applicants. Following the pilot phase, e-visas are expected to be introduced in phases to more countries and to Critical Skills visa applicants.

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 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. © 2019. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – LOW

What is the change? The South African Qualifications Authority is no longer allowing third parties to correspond with them regarding an applicant’s application.

What does the change mean? Third parties, such as immigration advisors and attorneys, may continue to assist in preparing the SAQA application, including submitting it online or in person and picking up an approved certificate.

Implementation time frame: Immediate.
Visas/permits affected: Critical Skills visas and General Work visas.
Business impact: Applicants will need to follow up directly with the SAQA.

Background: To qualify for a Critical Skills work visa, foreign nationals must prove they qualify for the role on the critical skills list and apply to SAQA for a certificate of evaluation of their qualifications. To qualify for a General Work visa, an employer must show it has taken steps to employ a South African national, and the SAQA certificate is a part of this process.

Analysis & Comments: Visa applicants may continue to use third parties to apply for a certificate from SAQA, but should plan to engage with the agency directly if they require additional information about their application.

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 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. © 2019. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? South Africa will introduce visa exemptions for New Zealand, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates this month.

What does the change mean? Effective Aug. 15, nationals of the four countries may travel to South Africa for short-term visits without needing to apply for a Visitor’s Visa.

Implementation time frame: Aug. 15.
Visas/permits affected: Visitor’s Visas.
Business impact: Limited business activities, such as attending a meeting or conference, are permitted for visa-exempt travelers.
Next steps: The Department of Home Affairs will designate each of the four countries as visa-exempt for a specified period of time.

Background: Last month, South Africa announced it would be expanding its visa waiver program as one of its policy priorities in the coming year. Cuba, Ghana, and Sao Tome and Principe are also expected to be visa-exempt in the coming weeks.

Analysis & Comments: The visa exemptions are consistent with South Africa’s move toward liberalizing visa regimes to encourage international visitors, business travel and foreign direct investment. Travelers planning to avail themselves of the visa exemption are reminded, however, that permissible business activities are limited in scope, and any activities considered productive work would require work authorization.

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 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. © 2019. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? A revised Critical Skills list is now expected to be drafted in November and finalized in 2020. The list designates occupations deemed critical to the economy and for which high-skilled foreign workers may be granted Critical Skills visas.

What does the change mean? Earlier this year the government was expected to release a more restrictive Critical Skills list. The new schedule suggests that the government will be conducting further research and consultations before releasing the revised list.

Implementation time frame: A draft Critical Skills list is expected around November. A report by the Department of Higher Education and Training is expected around March, and the Department of Home Affairs will further refine the list thereafter.
Visas/permits affected: Critical Skills Visas.
Business impact: The list affects which occupations companies are eligible to recruit foreign workers to fill without the need for labor market testing. Businesses have been advocating for a broader list to address labor shortages, especially in the key sectors of tech and science.

Background: A revised Critical Skills list was expected to be released earlier this year. A draft version was circulated in March that excluded general managerial roles. In part because of business sector concerns that the draft version would make it more difficult to attract foreign expertise and investment, the government put that draft on hold and did not issue a final list. The current list, which contains about 211 categories, was published in June 2014.

Analysis & Comments: The deliberative process in revising the Critical Skills list is welcome news. Deloitte provided input to the government regarding the proposed list in September 2018 and continue to engage with policymakers to advocate expansion of the Critical Skills list. It is hoped that the Department of Home Affairs will take into account the concerns expressed by businesses about their labor needs and current shortages of qualified experts in key sectors.

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 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. © 2019. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – HIGH

What is the change? The Department of Home Affairs has outlined its policy priorities for the coming year in a budget speech last week.

What does the change mean? The department expects to roll out the following agenda items in the coming months:

E-visas. E-visas will be introduced for companies sponsoring employees with critical skills, as well as for tourist visitors. Applicants will be able to apply online and receive an emailed copy of their visas before traveling to South Africa. Testing has already begun at Lanseria Airport and is expected to conclude in October, and e-visas will be phased in incrementally thereafter.
Visa waivers. South Africa will extend its visa-free regime to nationals of the following seven countries: Cuba, Ghana, New Zealand, Qatar, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. The visa waivers are expected to be implemented in November without first requiring reciprocity by the designated countries. Additionally, the department will study how to ease visas for nationals of China, India and Nigeria, but will begin this year by doubling the number of staff who process visas for Nigerian nationals and increasing by 2.5 times the staff who process visas for Chinese and Indian nationals.
Border Management Authority. The department will continue to pursue a 2013 plan to streamline border controls under one Border Management Authority by implementing a system of One-Stop Border Posts starting with the redevelopment of six land ports of entry and expanding to land, air and sea ports of entry.
Smart IDs. The department plans to accelerate the switch to Smart IDs by opening additional offices equipped to process and issue the biometric identity cards.

Analysis & Comments: The budget signals the government’s intention to continue to implement visa reforms, expand visa waivers and ease processing to attract tourism, business and investment and high-skilled foreign workers.

Source: Deloitte LLP. Deloitte LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales with registered number OC303675 and its registered office at 1 New Street Square, London EC4A 3HQ, United Kingdom.