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Many Zimbabweans are happy about recent changes made by the South African government to speed up the visa process and digitise documents in the Department of Home Affairs.
They believe this will give them another chance to remain working in South Africa.
Gabriel Shumba, a Zimbabwean lawyer and director at Global Immigration and Legal Consultancy, welcomed the move, saying it is good news for migrants looking to stay in South Africa. Said Shumba (via <a href="https://newsday.co.zw/southerneye/local/article/200034595/zimbos-hail-new-sa-visa-regime">Southern Eye</a>):
<blockquote>
We welcome the Department of Home Affairs’ efforts to hasten the adjudication of visa applications. This obviously will remove the anxiety and uncertainty that has always characterised many an applicant’s brief sojourn in the republic.
In addition, this efficiency will assist the Republic of South Africa to obtain within record time the much needed skills that are necessary to boost the economy. Efficiency will also help to reduce corruption and that’s welcome.
</blockquote>
South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs recently established five immigration targets aimed at reducing waiting times for immigration visa processes for the upcoming financial year. It said:
<blockquote>
The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) is continuing its drive for increased efficiency. Focusing on the immigration and civil service departments, DHA has placed its commitments to speeding up certification and visa processing on record.
The department presented the 2024 Budget Review and Recommendations Report to Parliament on October 25…
The DHA’s immigration service targets for the 2024/25 financial year are to have 85% of permanent residence applications for critical skills, general work and business to be collected within South Africa adjudicated within eight months, to have 95% of critical skills visa applications made in South Africa processed within four weeks, to have 90% of business visa applications made in South Africa adjudicated within eight weeks, to have 90% of general work visa applications made in South Africa adjudicated within eight weeks and to lead 2 000 law enforcement operations or inspections for target areas.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Pindula News

Zimbabweans are happy South Africa is making visa process quicker and more digital. They think it will help them stay and work in South Africa. A Zimbabwean lawyer, Gabriel Shumba, likes the changes because it will reduce anxiety and uncertainty for visa applicants. South Africa aims to process visas faster to get needed skills for their economy. The Department of Home Affairs wants to improve efficiency and reduce corruption. They set targets for processing visas within specific timeframes. Zimbabweans are hopeful this will make it easier for them to live and work in South Africa.

Zimbabweans Welcome South Africa’s Visa Application Overhaul

The South African government, through the Department of Home Affairs (DHA), has granted an extension of visa concessions for foreign nationals with pending waivers and visa applications until June 2024.
According to a DHA circular dated 21 December 2023, those with pending waivers, visa applications, or appeals submitted before November 30, 2023, and whose visas have expired, will now have their status extended until June 30, 2024.
It also says these individuals are allowed to travel and are exempt from being declared undesirable. Moreover, they can continue engaging in activities per their previous visas, such as work, study, and running businesses.
However, for individuals on 90-day visitor visas who applied for extensions before November 30 and have pending applications as of February 23, 2024, they must leave South Africa on or before February 29, 2024. Read the circular:
<blockquote>
CIRCULAR: EXTENSION OF TEMPORARY CONCESSION IN RESPECT OF FOREIGN NATIONALS IN LIGHT OF A CONTINUED BACKLOG IN PROCESSING OUTCOMES ON WAIVER APPLICATIONS, VISA APPLICATIONS AND APPEAL APPLICATIONS
1. The Department continues to battle a backlog in its visa and permitting regime. In a further attempt to address the impact that the backlog in processing outcomes on waiver-; and visa-; and appeal applications have on foreign nationals, I have approved the extension of the temporary measures to address the situation they find themselves in. The following temporary measures will apply with immediate effect.
2 (a) Applicants whose waiver application outcomes are still pending: Visa holders who have applied for a waiver and the waiver application is still pending as at 30 November 2023 to be granted a further temporary extension until 30 June 2024 to enable the Department to process the applications and for applicants to collect their outcomes and submit applications for appropriate visas. For those who wish to abandon their waiver applications and depart from South Africa, they should be allowed to exit at a port of entry before or on 30 June 2024 without being declared undesirable in terms of section 30(1)(h) of the Immigration Act, read with regulation 27(3) of the Immigration Regulations. Visa holders who need to travel, but are awaiting the outcome of a waiver application, they should be allowed to exit and re-enter at a port of entry up to and including 30 June 2024, without being declared undesirable in terms of section 30(1)(h) of the Immigration Act, read with regulation 27(3) of the Immigration Regulations. However, non-visa exempt applicants who travel out of the country with a waiver application receipt are required to apply for a port of entry visa which would allow them re-entry into South Africa.
(b) Applicants whose visa applications are still pending: Visa holders who have applied for long-term visas (Visitor’s Visas in terms of section 11(1)(b) and 11(6) of the Immigration Act; Business Visas, Study Visas, Relative’s Visas and Work Visas) and the visa application is still pending as at 30 November 2023, to be granted a further temporary extension until 30 June 2024 of the current visa status. Applicants are not allowed to engage in any activity other than what the visa conditions provide for. For those who wish to abandon their visa applications, they should be allowed to exit at a port of entry before or on 30 June 2024 without being declared undesirable in terms of section 30(1)(h) of the Immigration Act, read with regulation 27(3) of the Immigration Regulations. Visa holders who need to travel, but are awaiting the outcome of a long-term visa application, they should be allowed to exit and re-enter at a port of entry up to and including 30 June 2024, without being declared undesirable in terms of section 30(1)(h) of the Immigration Act, read with regulation 27(3) of the Immigration Regulations. However, non-visa exempt applicants who travel out of the country with a long-term visa application receipt, are required to apply for a port of entry visa which would allow them re-entry into South Africa.
(c) Applicants whose visa appeal applications are still pending: Visa holders who have appealed a negative decision on an application for long-term visa (Visitor’s Visas in terms of section 11(1)(b) and 11(6) of the Immigration Act; Business Visas, Study Visas, Relative’s Visas and Work Visas) to be granted a temporary extension until 30 June 2024 of the current visa status. Applicants are not allowed to engage in any activity other than what the visa conditions provide for. For those who wish to abandon their visa appeal applications and depart from South Africa, they should be allowed to exit at a port of entry before or on 30 June 2024 without being declared undesirable in terms of section 30(1)(h) of the Immigration Act, read with regulation 27(3) of the Immigration Regulations. Visa appeal applicants who need to travel, but are awaiting the outcome of an appeal application for a long-term visa, they should be allowed to exit and re-enter at a port of entry up to and including 30 June 2024, without being declared undesirable in terms of section 30(1)(h) of the Immigration Act, read with regulation 27(3) of the Immigration Regulations. All appeal applicants are required to produce a copy of the rejection letter with a receipt for the appeal application on departure and re-entry into South Africa. Non-visa exempt appeal applicants who travel out of the country with an appeal application receipt, are required to apply for a port of entry visa which would allow them re-entry into South Africa.
(d) Short term visa holders issued in terms of section 11(1)(a) of the Immigration Act for 90 days or less, up to an including 30 November 2023, who have applied for a renewal of the visa but have not received their visa renewal outcome by 23 February 2024, they must make the necessary arrangements to depart from South Africa on or before 29 February 2024, to avoid being declared undesirable.
3. The temporary measures mentioned in paragraph 2 above will apply only to foreign nationals who have been legally admitted into South Africa. This concession is only applicable to applicants who have submitted an application via VFS Global on or before 30 November 2023. Any further extension, modification or amendments to the terms of these concessions will be communicated in writing.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

South Africa Grants An Extension Of Temporary Visa Concessions

ZANU PF has condemned a new visa restriction policy which United States of America Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced this week, aimed at people accused of undermining democracy in Zimbabwe.
Lawrence Socha, spokesperson at the U.S. Embassy in Harare, told <a href="https://www.voanews.com/a/zimbabweans-reacting-angrily-to-us-visa-restrictions-announced-by-blinken/7386773.html">VOA</a> that the new visa restriction policy would affect individuals complicit in undermining democracy. Said Socha:
<blockquote>
Such acts might also include engaging in corruption, including bribery that undermines the electoral process, interfering with the independent operation of the judiciary, or abusing or violating human rights in Zimbabwe.
The visa restriction policy will apply to specific individuals involved in these acts, and it is not directed at the Zimbabwean people.
The United States supports Zimbabwe’s aspirations to have free and fair elections that reflect the will of the people and strengthen democracy, the rule of law, and the protection of human rights.
</blockquote>
ZANU PF Director for Information and Publicity Farai Muroiwa Marapira said the party is unfazed by the new U.S. visa restriction policy. He said:
<blockquote>
As ZANU-PF, we are not surprised by this new activity by the American government. We all know their intent on changing the government.
And all their machinations having failed in August, some tantrums are expected and this is what is obtaining. We remain unfazed and remain resolute.
We hold on to the words of wisdom from our president; President ED Mnangagwa. We are an enemy to none and a friend to all and our doors are open.
</blockquote>
Meanwhile, Citizens’ Coalition for Change (CCC) spokesman Promise Mkwananzi said other governments and regional bodies such as SADC should also take measures to punish individuals complicit in undermining democracy in Zimbabwe. Said Mkwananzi:
<blockquote>
We note the measures taken by the Americans against the authors and sponsors of chaos, illegitimacy and illegality in Zimbabwe.
I think it is important not just for the American government but as well as other governments, and regional bodies such as SADC and others to ensure that they put some disincentives against people who would want to undermine the will of the people of Zimbabwe and disrespect the voice of the Zimbabwean people, including of course those that are not in ZANU-PF, but who are complicit with the regime in undermining the wishes and the will of the people of Zimbabwe.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe’s August 2023 Harmonised Elections were marred by delays and shortages of voting materials in the opposition’s strongholds, especially in Harare.
Many observer missions – including from SADC and EU, said the election processes fell far short of the requirements of the country’s electoral laws as well as the regional bloc’s guidelines.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZANU PF Condemns US Visa Restrictions Announced By Blinken

The British Government says it has granted 20 000 work visas to Zimbabwean emigrants in the health and care sector as of June this year.
The figure represents a 372% increase from 2020 as Zimbabweans continue to leave the country in search of a better life in the United Kingdom.
In its national statistics report titled: “Why do people come to the UK? To work” dated 14 November 2023, the British Government reported that in the year ended June 2023, 20 152 health and care worker visas were granted to Zimbabweans.
According to <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200020313/20-000-zimbos-get-uk-visas">NewsDay</a>, the figure rose from 4 270 Zimbabwean emigrants to the UK in June 2020.
In terms of countries to be granted health and care worker visas, Zimbabwe was in third place after India with 33 669 and Nigeria at 22 278, respectively. Read the report:
<blockquote>
Those immigrating long-term on work-related visas (main applicants and dependants) made up 33% of non-EU long-term immigration in the YE (year ended) June 2023, with an estimated 322 000 arrivals. This is compared with 198 000 in YE June 2022. This is split fairly evenly between main applicants (169 000) and dependants (154 000)…
Home Office data show that Indian nationals represented 38% of all dependants issued a work visa alongside main applicants, followed by Nigerian and Zimbabwean nationals (17% and 9%, respectively).
</blockquote>
According to a <a href="https://newzwire.live/skills-flight-uk-care-work-visas-to-zimbabweans-up-170-this-year/">newZWire</a> report, the number of Zimbabweans who moved to the United Kingdom to do health and care work rose by 169% in the year to September.
In the 12 months to September, a total of 21 130 Zimbabweans were given visas to work in the UK health system.
That’s 13 284 more Zimbabweans than in the year to September last year, a 169% increase.
Data released by the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZIMSTAT) shows that Zimbabweans are leaving their country in record numbers.
According to a ZIMSTAT report in 2022, there was a “steady increase” in the number of emigrants between 2001 to 2015, and then a sharp increase that peaked in 2021.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Thousands Of Zimbabwean Health And Care Workers Get UK Visas

Staff shortages are considered one of the main problems faced by the construction sector in the UK. According to <a href="https://www.citb.co.uk/about-citb/construction-industry-research-reports/construction-skills-network-csn/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Construction Skills Network (CSN) report</a>, more than a quarter of a million extra construction workers will be needed by 2026 to meet growing demands in the UK sector. Carpenters, joiners, and construction managers are currently among the most in-demand job positions in the UK, along with various technical roles. The entire UK, comprising England, Scotland, Wales, and <a class="MarkdownLink_linkifiedLink__KxC9G">Northern Ireland</a>, is undergoing a nationwide construction boom, leading to a <a class="MarkdownLink_linkifiedLink__KxC9G">critical skills shortage</a> in the industry, which is the worst it has been in many years.
To get a basic understanding of working in the UK, the official <a href="https://www.gov.uk/">UK Government</a> website is a good resource which will give you information on anything from taxation to Visas to transferring your driving license and everything in between.
<h4>Visa Requirements</h4>
UK construction companies tend to be hesitant to hire individuals without <a class="MarkdownLink_linkifiedLink__KxC9G">valid entitlement</a> to work in the UK. While EU nationals have more relaxed rules, non-EU nationals must navigate a complicated points-based system to determine eligibility for work in the UK. Often, a written job offer is required before a Visa is granted. This creates a catch-22 situation for non-EU nationals as construction companies are often reluctant to interview candidates without a Visa in place.
<h3 class="gem-c-title__text govuk-heading-xl">Skilled Worker visa </h3>
The UK government website confirms that the <a class="MarkdownLink_linkifiedLink__KxC9G">Skilled Worker visa</a> is intended for individuals who wish to perform an eligible job with an approved employer in the UK. This visa has replaced the Tier 2 (General) work visa and allows individuals to work in UK waters as well.
<h3 id="eligibility">Eligibility</h3>
To be eligible for a Skilled Worker visa, there are a few requirements that you must meet.
<blockquote>
1). You must work for a UK employer who has been approved by the <a class="MarkdownLink_linkifiedLink__KxC9G">Home Office</a>.
2). You must have a ‘certificate of sponsorship’ from your employer that contains information about the job being offered to you in the UK.
3). The job you are offered must be on the list of eligible occupations.
4). The <a class="MarkdownLink_linkifiedLink__KxC9G">minimum salary</a> you are paid will depend on the type of work you do.
</blockquote>
The specific <a href="https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa/your-job">eligibility depends on your job</a>. You must have a confirmed job offer before you apply for your visa.
<h3 id="knowledge-of-english">Knowledge of English</h3>
<blockquote>
You must be able to speak, read, write and understand English. You’ll usually need to <a href="https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa/knowledge-of-english">prove your knowledge of English</a> when you apply. If you’re not eligible for a Skilled Worker visa You may be eligible for <a href="https://www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa">another type of visa to work in the UK</a>.
</blockquote>
<h3 id="how-to-apply">How to apply</h3>
<blockquote>
You must apply online. How you apply depends on whether you’re:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa/apply-from-outside-the-uk">outside the UK</a> and are coming to the UK</li>
<li>inside the UK and <a href="https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa/extend-your-visa">extending your current visa</a></li>
<li>inside the UK and <a href="https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa/switch-to-this-visa">switching from a different visa</a></li>
</ul>
If you want to change your job or employer, you must <a href="https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa/update-your-visa-if-you-change-job-or-employer">apply to update your visa</a>.
<a href="https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa/your-partner-and-children">Your partner and children</a> can apply to join you or stay in the UK as your ‘dependants’ if they’re eligible.
</blockquote>
<h3 id="how-long-it-takes">How long it takes</h3>
<blockquote>
You can apply for a visa up to 3 months before the day you are due to start work in the UK. This date is listed on your certificate of sponsorship. As part of your application, you’ll need to prove your identity and provide your documents. You may need to allow extra time if you need an appointment to do this. You’ll find out if you need one when you start your application.
</blockquote>
<h3 id="getting-a-decision">Getting a decision</h3>
<blockquote>
After applying online and submitting your documents and <a class="MarkdownLink_linkifiedLink__KxC9G">identity proof</a>, you can expect a decision on your visa within three weeks if you’re outside the UK and eight weeks if you’re inside the UK. You may opt for a faster decision by paying an additional fee.How you do this depends on whether you’re <a href="https://www.gov.uk/faster-decision-visa-settlement/applying-outside-the-uk">outside the UK</a> or <a href="https://www.gov.uk/faster-decision-visa-settlement">inside the UK</a>.
</blockquote>
<h3 id="how-much-it-costs">How much it costs</h3>
<blockquote>
To apply for a visa, every applicant including your partner and children must pay the <a class="MarkdownLink_linkifiedLink__KxC9G">application fee</a>, healthcare surcharge for each year of stay, and provide evidence of sufficient personal savings. <a href="https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa/how-much-it-costs">Check how much money you’ll need</a>.
</blockquote>
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

UK Construction Faces Staff Shortages; 250K Workers Needed By 2026

Thousands of Zimbabwean nationals residing in South Africa whose special permits expire at the end of this year can now bring back all their belongings duty-free, including one vehicle, a Cabinet minister has said.
Addressing journalists during a post-Cabinet briefing in Harare on Tuesday, Information minister Monica Mutsvangwa said there are no limits to personal property that one can bring back home. She said:
<blockquote>
The Zimbabwean Government has issued guidelines and regulations for returning residents which include one duty-free vehicle and no limits to personal property.
Government has also engaged the South African government, emphasising that Zimbabwe is ready to receive its returning nationals, who should comply with the relevant South African laws.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe expects tens of thousands of its nationals to be deported from South Africa following the expiry of Zimbabwe Exemptions Permits (ZEP) which South Africa had granted them.
Zimbabwean ZEP holders in South Africa were given up to 31 December 2022 to regularise their stay or face deportation. SA later extended the permit’s validity to June 30 of next year.
Mutsvangwa added that Cabinet had agreed to establish an inter-ministerial committee that would be supported by sub-committees that would look at the provision of transport and logistics, security, documentation, re-integration support, resource mobilisation, information and publicity as well as health and education.
About 189 000 Zimbabweans held the ZEPs and the bulk of them face deportation after failing to get fresh permits under other schemes.

Govt Extends Duty-free Facility To Citizens Returning From South Africa

Zimbabwe has scrapped visa requirements for SADC member states a move that is premised on accelerating efforts to operationalise the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The development was announced by the outgoing chair of the Ministerial Committee of the Organ (MCO), Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Ambassador Frederick Shava in a statement last night.
Detailing the journey travelled by the organ under Zimbabwe’s chairmanship, the minister said:
<blockquote>_Regarding the implementation of the visa exemption among SADC Member States and the facilitation of free movement of SADC citizens within the region, I wish to highlight that Zimbabwe is the first and only country that has exempted all SADC Member States from visa requirements, other SADC Member States are undertaking internal processes to ensure that SADC citizens can travel freely in the region._
_It may also be recalled that as part of SADC’s broader regional integration agenda, efforts towards a SADC UNIVISA are ongoing._
_I am happy to note that through the efforts of our Ministry of Home Affairs and cultural heritage and the Department of Immigration, Zimbabwe is now part of the five countries that are part of the UNIVISA pilot project._</blockquote>
Zimbabwe is also working with other countries in tourism exchange through the Kaza UniVisa which is available to 65 nations which allows visitors to Zimbabwe and Zambia unlimited access to the two countries over a period of 30 days.
More: <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw">Pindula News</a>; <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/zim-removes-sadc-visa-requirement/">The Herald</a>

Zimbabwe Has Scrapped Visa Requirements For SADC States

South Africa on Thursday issued Immigration Directive no. 15 of 2020 which suspends visa requirements for foreigners with special skills.
The directive was issued by that country’s Home Affairs Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi said the move was meant to promote economic growth.
This means that foreign nationals in South Africa with special skills, especially those on intra-company transfer visas can now apply for an extension of their visas by another two years. Minister Motsoaledi said:
<blockquote>With the powers bestowed upon me in terms of section 31(2)(c) of the Immigration Act, 2002 (Act No 13 of 2002) decided to allow holders of legally issued Intra-Company Transfer(ICT) visas who are currently residing in the Republic of South Africa to apply for another term of 24 months for the ICT visa that they currently hold.
The ICT visa application will be considered as a new application with no accumulation nor continuation of the validity period of the current visa; In addition, the ICT visa shall not lead towards permanent residence; and that the (visa) holder will remain in the employment of the designated employer for whom the initial and current ICT visa was issued. No change of employer, status or condition from current visa.</blockquote>
He added that they will also need proof in the form of verifiable documents that the skill transfer to a South African or Permanent Residence was completed during the four years of the visas as per the initial undertaking.
Motsoaledi added that the temporary visa concession would only be applicable to holders of legally issued intra-company visas and who are currently resident in the Republic during the lockdown.
The Minister said any further extension or modification or amendments to the terms of this concession will only be valid if communicated in writing.
More: <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/just-in-sas-visa-relief-for-foreigners-with-special-skills/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Herald</a>

South Africa In Visa Waiver For Selected Foreigners

Speaking during the inaugural Tourism, Security and Enablers conference in Harare last week, permanent secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs Mr Melusi Matshiya announced that the department of immigration has introduced an electronic visa application platform which you can access on https://www.evisa.gov.zw.
He said that most of the visa applications on the platform are reviewed within one week. Said Matshiya:
<blockquote>Most applications are processed within one working week. The ministry is currently working on reviewing and assigning the visa regime for nationals in category C so as to upgrade their status. In a related manner, the ministry has adopted the Integrated Border Management (IBS) system whose objective is to establish an effective, efficient and integrated border management system to help have open, but well controlled and secured borders.</blockquote>
More: <a href="http://www.herald.co.zw/govt-relaxes-visa-requirements/">Herald</a>

Zimbabwe introduces electronic visa application platform

A report by the African Development Bank (AfDB) has rated Zimbabwe’s visa regime on number 21 on the Visa Openness Index out of 54 countries on the continent.
Zimbabwe’s visa regime has three categories, namely A- in which citizens from selected countries are exempt from visa requirements, B – where citizens of the targeted countries apply for visas on arrival and C, where those falling in the group are required to apply for a visa while still in their home country.
The report which was done in collaboration with the African Union Commission and the World Economic Forum measures placed Zimbabwe at number 21 together with Zambia with a score of 0.433 points and in terms of visa openness by category Zimbabwe is ranked number 17 on No Visa, number 8 on Visa on arrival and 29 on Visa’s required.
More: <a href="http://source.co.zw/2017/05/zimbabwe-visa-regime-among-africas-restrictive/">Source</a>

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