South Africa Archives

IMPACT – HIGH

The Department of Home Affairs has announced the resumption of limited services and protocols for certain travelers, such as returning South African citizens and permanent residents and departing foreign nationals.

As of May 1, the country moved from a Level 5 to Level 4 alert, and President Cyril Ramaphosa relaxed the nationwide lockdown, allowing some businesses to reopen.

The Department of Home Affairs is providing the following services during the Level 4 phase:

Issuance of temporary identity certificates.
Collection of identity cards or documents. Smart ID cards may be collected at all live capture offices, but no new applications will be accepted during this period.
Registration of births and deaths, excluding late registration of birth.
Re-issuance of birth and death certificates.
Applications and collection of passports for those traveling across the country’s borders to deliver essential goods and those traveling outside the country to receive medical treatment.

South African citizens and permanent residents returning to South Africa must follow these protocols:

Obtain prior approval from the South African mission in the country where they are by applying within 72 hours of their intended entry into South Africa.
Submit with their application a copy of their passport, ID card or document; a copy of their permanent residence permit, if applicable; and their travel itinerary in the previous two months.
If allowed to enter South Africa, the individual will be referred for mandatory quarantine upon arrival.

Foreign nationals who are repatriated to their home country or country of residence must follow these procedures before departing:

Obtain approval from the relevant foreign mission or consulate in South Africa within 72 hours of intended departure. The application must include a copy of the applicant’s passport, temporary residence visa or permanent residence permit, and proof of the applicant’s means of travel.
The foreign mission or consulate must notify the Minister of Home Affairs in writing and obtain prior approval of the intended exit.

Analysis & Comments: Though DHS is resuming some functions, applicants seeking immigration services should anticipate significant delays, as only skeletal staff will return to work. Expatriates returning home should be aware of the pre-approval process and factor in the new requirements when planning their departure. Borders remain closed to international inbound travel with limited exceptions. 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.

IMPACT – HIGH

What is the change? The South African government will begin relaxing the strict nationwide COVID-19 lockdown on May 1 with a phased approach to allowing some businesses to reopen, but the borders will remain closed and domestic travel, as well as nonessential activities, will remain curtailed.

What does the change mean? Certain businesses will be permitted to reopen but only one-third of workers will be allowed to return to work, according to comments by President Cyril Ramaphosa in a televised address last week. The energy sector and refineries are among the industries allowed to resume operations. Restrictions may be specific to individual provinces, districts and metropolitan areas, as separate alert levels will be issued for each locality.

Implementation time frame: May 1 and onward.
Business impact: Some businesses will be able to resume, but much activity will remain restricted, such as travel between provinces and large gatherings. The government is encouraging businesses that are operating remotely to continue doing so.

Additional information: The guidelines for the May 1 phase allow for South Africans to return but they must be quarantined for 14 days before residing with family or going to work. Postal services, courier services and public transportation will resume. Hotels and other guest accommodations remain closed. Recreational visits and crowds are prohibited. Individuals may go outdoors for exercise but are restricted to certain hours and must keep social distancing. A curfew of 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. is in place, except for those who have a permit.

Analysis & Comments: Petroleum and other energy companies will be able to reopen because of their importance to the South African economy. As with other countries, the COVID-19 situation is fluid, and the government is taking a cautious approach in reopening businesses selectively to revive the economy without sparking a new outbreak of the coronavirus. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes around the world.

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 – HIGH

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced that he is extending the nationwide lockdown on activities until the end of April to prevent further spread of COVID-19. The lockdown was initially scheduled to end April 16.

The stay-at-home order will apply until April 30. All individuals, except enumerated critical workers, must remain at home except for essentials, such as to buy food, medicine or supplies, to seek medical care or to collect a social grant. Inbound foreign nationals from high-risk countries remain barred from entry. High risk countries include China, France, Germany, Iran, Italy, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, the U.K., and the U.S.

Additionally, the government has announced several temporary measures for foreign nationals who have already legally entered South Africa. These measures apply to foreign nationals whose visas expired Feb. 15 onward except for visa extensions filed before that date that remain pending. The following visa measures will remain in place until at least July 31.

Visa measures:

Expiring visas. Foreign nationals with temporary residence visas that expire Feb. 15 or later who did not renew their visas before the lockdown will not be declared undocumented or put on the prohibited persons list. Anyone whose visas expired before or during the lockdown will not be detained for holding an expired visa. Those who return to their home country after the lockdown instead of renewing their visa will not be deemed undesirable upon departure.
Visa applications. The Department of Home Affairs is not accepting or processing visa or permanent residence applications during the lockdown. Those with visas expiring after Feb. 15 may re-apply after the lockdown and will not need to obtain a good cause authorization to stay in the country. Those with visas expiring after Feb. 15 who had scheduled appointments during the lockdown should reschedule to a date after the lockdown has been lifted.
Work, study and business. People whose visas expire during the lockdown and those who have made applications for renewals or re-applied for their respective visas before the lockdown but remain pending, will be allowed to work, study or conduct business after the lockdown while waiting decisions on their applications.
Nationals of high-risk countries. Visas issued for nationals of high-risk countries who were outside South Africa on March 15 remain revoked.
Departure ban. During the lockdown, foreign nationals currently in South Africa are barred from departing, unless expatriation was initiated by another state.
Lesotho Exemption Permit. Lesotho Special Permits which expired on Dec. 31, 2019 remain valid until June 15, 2020. Holders of the Lesotho Special Permit have until June 15 to submit their applications for the Lesotho Exemption Permit, and no new applications will be accepted.
Asylum Seeker Permits. Asylum seekers whose visas expire March 16 to the end of the lockdown period will not be penalized or arrested as long as they legalize their visa within 30 calendar days after the date the lockdown is lifted.

Analysis & Comments: South African businesses and their employees should identify employees affected by the temporary visa measures to plan next steps in the coming months. 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 – HIGH

What is the change? President Cyril Ramaphosa ordered the country on lock down to help slow the spread of COVID-19, citing the increasing numbers of cases worldwide and a high risk of overwhelming the country’s health care system. The measures are detailed below.

All individuals are ordered to stay home during the lockdown from midnight Thursday, March 26 until midnight April 16. Critical workers, such as medical personnel, those involved in food production, and other essential services, are exempt.
Individuals will only be allowed to leave their homes under strictly controlled circumstances, such as to seek medical care, buy food, medicine and other supplies or collect a social grant.
All offices, shops and businesses will be closed, except for essential services. Companies that are able to operate remotely should do so.
South African citizens and residents arriving from high-risk countries will be automatically placed under quarantine for 14 days.
Non-citizens arriving on flights from high-risk countries (currently China, France, Germany, Iran, Italy, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, the United States) will be turned back.
International travelers who arrived in South Africa from high-risk countries after March 9, 2020 will be confined to their hotels until they complete a 14-day quarantine.
International flights to Lanseria Airport are temporarily suspended.

Analysis & Comments: Companies and their employees should prepare for the national lockdown measures and consider implementing telecommuting policies for employees if possible.

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? 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.