From the category archives:

Visas & Immigration

It is important to note that as from 1 July 2010, the Department of Home Affairs has advised that they will no longer be permitting entry to foreign truck drivers unless they have work permits.  The Department has advised that any such foreign truck drivers will be required to have work permits, whether or not [...]

World Cup visa dispensation announced

Julian Pokroy May 24, 2010 Visas & Immigration

With the the 2010 FIFA World Cup fast approaching, it has become necessary to deal with some of the issues surrounding the entry of foreign nationals into South Africa who are entering the country as spectators of this wonderful event. In order to deal with the “special” dispensation under the Immigration Act, recently announced, it [...]

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Lance Armstrong initially denied entry into South Africa

Tarryn Pokroy Rietveld March 9, 2010 Visas & Immigration

“Armstrong’s rough ride into South Africa” was the IOL headline today and Lance was almost denied entry into South Africa last night.
The rationale for his initial refusal to entry was caused by the fact that he did not have sufficient blank pages in his passport.
In terms of Regulation 2(1)(e) of the Immigration Regulation promulgated under [...]

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I want to work in South Africa

Julian Pokroy February 25, 2010 Visas & Immigration

Q: I do not fall within the exceptional skills or quota permit category and I do not yet have a job offer in South Africa but would like to work there. What can I do?
A: The option available to you is the general work permit. In order to qualify in [...]

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I’m on the profession list

Julian Pokroy February 16, 2010 Visas & Immigration

Q: I have been on the Department of Home Affairs website and it seems that they have what they a call a quota schedule with a list of professions on it. I noticed that one of the professions listed is indeed my profession. What does this mean for me?
A: If [...]

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Exceptional skills work permit

Julian Pokroy February 4, 2010 Visas & Immigration

Q: I believe that I am an exceptionally skilled individual. I understand that there is something called an exceptional skills work permit. How will I know if I qualify?
A: An exceptional skills work permit requires an applicant who is uniquely and exceptionally skilled. This may not necessarily mean that [...]

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Work permit before I get a job?

Julian Pokroy January 25, 2010 Visas & Immigration

Q: I wish to enter South Africa in order to find employment. The prospective employers that I speak to tell me I need a work permit before they can employ me, but the Department of Home Affairs or South African Embassy tell me that I need a work permit before I can be [...]

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Family in South Africa

Julian Pokroy January 16, 2010 Visas & Immigration

Q: I have family in South Africa. Am I entitled to enter South Africa on this basis?
A: Yes, you would be entitled to a relatives permit. This would depend upon what your relationship is to the South African citizen or Permanent Resident family member. A relatives permit is allowed [...]

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Part time job – do I need a permit?

Julian Pokroy January 11, 2010 Visas & Immigration

Q: I am a full-time university student and have managed to secure a part time job as a waiter. Do I need a work permit?
A: So long as you do not work more than twenty (20) hours in a week, then you do not require a work permit. All study permits [...]

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Can I get a study permit?

Julian Pokroy January 3, 2010 Visas & Immigration

Q: I wish to come to South Africa in order to study at a university there, but I have not decided which one yet. Can I obtain a study permit and decide where I want to study once I get there?
A: No, you may not. In order to obtain [...]

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