In the thick of the COVID-19 outbreak around the world, the President of the Republic of South Africa has resolved to impose strict travel restrictions between South Africa and high risk countries affected by the coronavirus, namely, Italy, Iran, South Korea, Germany, the United States, the United Kingdom and China.
With respect to the imposed travel ban, the president’s address does not speak to any form of repatriation of foreign nationals (from any one of the 8 countries) who are already in the Republic.
Visas recently issued by SA diplomatic missions from these same named countries, with reference to the travel ban, have been cancelled, “…effective immediately.“
In terms of the immigration act a visa is referred to as authorization “to proceed to the Republic to report to an immigration officer at a port of entry”.
It further directs that the same visa may, for good cause, be withdrawn and declared null and void by the Minister. The good cause in this instance implies that it is in the public interest, to contain and manage the spread of Coronavirus, hence the decision made by the President and his Cabinet to cancel visas of foreign nationals traveling from those countries.
The Department of Home Affairs is expected to give further clarity on the matter.
KVN Inc. continues to check on developments related to COVID-19 and providing updates as we progress.
