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Articles by Simon Carletti
South Africa's Visa Backlog Neglects Spousal Visa Applications, Says Immigration Expert
CAPE TOWN, South Africa - South Africa's Department of Home Affairs is facing criticism for its handling of the visa backlog, particularly in relation to spousal visa applications. Despite efforts to clear the backlog, the department seems to be disregarding the plight of spouses waiting for years to receive outcomes. In a recent interview with eNCA on September 20th, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, South Africa's Minister of Home Affairs, discussed the country's immigration policies.
Trusted Employer Scheme Introduced in South Africa to Streamline Foreign Worker Employment Process
In a recent development that could significantly impact the corporate landscape in South Africa, the Trusted Employer Scheme was officially announced in regulations published on October 11, 2023. This scheme introduces a streamlined process for employers who meet specific criteria, making it easier and faster to employ foreign workers. The Trusted Employer Scheme aims to enhance accessibility and efficiency in the foreign labour market for corporations that meet its criteria.
What is an Immigration Consultant?
IBN Immigration Solutions - Thursday, August 24, 2023. Submitted by IBN Immigration Solutions. What is an Immigration Consultant? August 24, 2023 As immigration and global migration continue to become more popular, immigration systems have grown both in terms of scale and complexity. Because of the multiple legalities and intricacies involved in global migration, the role of an immigration consultant is becoming more important than ever.
Be Aware: Scammers Posing as the Department of Home Affairs
We have been made aware that Permanent Residence Permit applicants have been receiving scam calls by people pretending to be from the Department of Home Affairs. In some cases, reported by clients, the scammers had access to information about documents submitted, leading the victims to believe that the call was genuine. These scammers exploit the anxiety associated with the PRP application process, claiming that the application is delayed and demanding additional forms to be filled out.
SA Digital Nomad Visa Misses Deadline
The Minister of Home Affairs, Aaron Motsoaledi, recently confirmed that the introduction of the Digital Nomad Visa in South Africa has missed its deadline. Despite being a much-needed and sought-after visa category, the process has been delayed for 527 days since President Ramaphosa's announcement in his February 2022 State of the Nation Address. What is a Digital Nomad?
Immigration News from Africa: July 2023
In our monthly Immigration News from Africa, we update you on important changes in African Immigration. This edition covers news in the following countries: South Africa Nigeria Botswana Department of Home Affairs Phoning Permanent Residence Permit Applicants The Department of Home Affairs has been calling many Permanent Residence Permit applicants and their spouses in the last two weeks to confirm application details.
Letter from IBN Immigration Solutions CEO: July 2023
In this edition, I wish to share my experience of world-class service in the Kruger National Park, border crossings in Africa, why you do not want to be a truck driver, missed deadlines regarding the Digital Nomad Visa, as well as reasons for failure of service delivery in our own organisation. A Trip to the African Wilderness I wish to begin this month’s edition with a truly positive story I personally experienced during my holidays in the Kruger National Park with my family.
Zimbabwean Exemption Permit Deadline Draws Near
As we have mentioned before, those on a Zimbabwean Exemption Permits (ZEP) must leave South Africa before 30 June 2023 as the permit has not been extended again. Pretoria High Court Hearings There has been much public outcry regarding the ZEP, with the Zimbabwean Exemption Permit Holders (ZEPHA) and Helen Suzman Foundation challenging the government’s termination of the ZEP, but it does not seem like this pressure is changing any governmental laws.
A Guide to US Retirement in South Africa
Are you considering retiring to a beautiful and culturally rich country with a favorable climate and a relatively low cost of living? South Africa might be the perfect destination for you. Retiring from the United States to South Africa can be an exciting and rewarding experience, however, there are several factors to consider before embarking on this adventure, including immigration laws, healthcare, and financial planning.
Letter from the CEO: April/May 2023
In the past six weeks, quite a few things have happened. I travelled to Dublin to take part in our industry’s biggest conference, the Department of Home Affairs introduced their ideas for the Trusted Employer Scheme and some significant practical changes, loadshedding worsened, and our lawsuit for outstanding Permanent Residence applications is finally bearing fruit. Exploring Ireland At the end of April, I travelled to Dublin, Ireland for 10 days, for the EuRA Conference of 2023.
Immigration News from Africa: April/May 2023
In our monthly Immigration News from Africa, we update you on important changes in African Immigration. This edition covers news in the following countries: South AfricaNamibiaNigeriaKenyaZimbabwe South Africa 3 New Visas Annouced South Africa has annouced that it is working on 3 new visas. These visas are the Digital Nomad Visa, the Tech Visa, and the introducion of a Trusted Employer Scheme.
The Department of Home Affairs and Our Permanent Residence Lawsuit
On 26 September 2022, IBN Immigration Solutions began the first steps to take the South African Department of Home Affairs to court over the delay in Permanent Residence Permit application adjudication. The DHA has a legal obligation to process PR applications within 8 months and their failure to do so is unlawful and reviewable by a competent court which may compel them to take decisions where they can’t prove that they have delayed for valid reasons.
Namibia’s New Historic Move Acknowledges Same-Sex Marriages Conducted Abroad with Foreign Spouses
In a ground-breaking decision earlier today, Namibia’s Supreme Court has recognised same-sex marriages performed abroad between Namibian citizens and foreign spouses. This ruling marks a significant milestone in a country where homosexuality remains illegal. The Supreme Court’s decision overturns a previous ruling by the High Court, which had refused to acknowledge same-sex marriages conducted outside of Namibia.
Obtaining South African Citizenship by Naturalisation: A Comprehensive Guide
If you’ve ever wondered about acquiring South African citizenship through naturalisation, you’ve come to the right place! While there are various ways to obtain South African citizenship, such as through birth or adoption, we will focus exclusively on the naturalisation route. What is Naturalisation? Naturalisation occurs when a foreigner comes to South Africa, obtains permanent residence, and, after a specified period, applies for citizenship.
South Africa’s Tech Visa: What are the Possible Requirements?
In a recent announcement, the President of South Africa revealed plans to introduce a Tech Visa for the country. Although specific details about the proposed visa are yet to be released, drawing inspiration from other countries can provide valuable insights.
The Prospects of a Digital Nomad Visa for South Africans
In this article, we delve into the possibilities surrounding a Digital Nomad Visa for South Africans. As of May 2023, South Africa is actively working on legislation to introduce this visa category, providing hope for individuals seeking to embrace the digital nomad lifestyle. While the exact timeline for its implementation remains uncertain, we explore the potential requirements and benefits associated with a Digital Nomad Visa for South Africa.
South Africa: Trusted Employer Scheme Announced
During the annual South Africa Investment Conference (SAIC) on April 13, 2023, President Cyril Ramaphosa unveiled plans for an overhaul of the work visa system. The goal of this initiative is to attract the skills required to boost investment and achieve the president’s objective of attracting R2-trillion in new investments over the next five years.
South Africa: Important New Directive
BREAKING NEWS: THE SOUTH AFRICAN DEPARTMENT OF HOME AFFAIRS HAVE RELEASED THEIR NEW IMMIGRATION DIRECTIVE The South African Department of Home Affairs have just issued Immigration Directive No. 5 of 2023. The goal of this Directive is to reduce the burden on people applying for South African visas regarding documents that must be provided when applying for temporary or permanent residence.
Letter from the CEO: March 2023
Dear readers, In March, we had a lot of exciting news to share. We became independent of loadshedding, had positive developments from our Kenya office, and received news about new legislation in South Africa. Case Management Software I am thrilled to announce that we will finally be rolling out our new cloud-based case management software, which is POPI and GDPR compliant. HR partners will have their own log-ins, and private clients will be able to upload all their documents securely to the cloud.
Beating Loadshedding
As loadshedding does not seem to be going anywhere soon, IBN Immigration Solutions has made the decision to install a backup battery and solar power in our Cape Town office so that we can continue to service our clients effectively. Sustaining our Power This month, we received and installed our SustainPower Box, and we’re expecting a significant shipment of solar panels shortly.
South Africa: Extension Granted for Pending Applications
Individuals who are waiting for the outcomes of their waiver applications or have pending visas have been granted another extension. The previous deadline was set to end in March 2023. However, today, the government has extended the deadline to 31 December 2023, providing an additional nine months. This is significant news for those affected by the visa backlog. You can download the PDF of this announcement here.
IBN Joins the Partners Immigration Network
IBN Immigration Solutions is excited to announce our recent membership to the Partners Immigration Network. This is an important milestone in our ongoing efforts to provide the best possible immigration solutions to our clients. Who are Partners Immigration Network? Partners is a global network of independent, professional immigration law firms with a focus on providing high-quality services to clients around the world.
Immigration News from Africa: March 2023
In our monthly Immigration News from Africa, we update you on important changes in African Immigration. This edition covers news in the following countries: South Africa Namibia Zimbabwe Botswana Mozambique South Africa Visa Backlog Continues The South African Minister and Acting Director of Home Affairs have shared their updated statistics on the visa backlog.
The Benefits of Permanent Residence in South Africa
Are you an expatriate living and working in South Africa? If so, you may be wondering about the benefits of obtaining permanent residency in the country. As a permanent resident, you will have most of the same rights and responsibilities as a South African citizen, with the exception of being able to obtain a South African passport and vote in government elections.
South Africa: Visa Backlog Continues
BREAKING NEWS: Individuals who are waiting for the outcomes of their waiver applications or have pending visas have been granted another extension. Read more here Hello, everybody. Today I want to reveal some very interesting statistics which were shared by the Minister of Home Affairs and Acting Director of Home Affairs in Parliament. I think it explains quite well why you might be waiting for your Permanent Residence and Temporary Residence.
When Do I Become a Tax Resident of South Africa?
Becoming a tax resident of South Africa is a crucial consideration for any foreigner looking to live and work in the country. As a tax resident, you will be required to pay tax on your worldwide income, which includes any income earned in your home country or any other country you have lived in. In this article, we will outline the key factors that determine when you become a tax resident of South Africa.
Can I Buy Property in South Africa?
Buying property in South Africa as a foreigner is possible, but there are a few legal requirements that must be met to ensure compliance with South African laws. Here’s what you need to know before purchasing property in South Africa. Legal Compliance Foreigners can purchase property in South Africa if they comply with the legal requirements set out in the Immigration Act, the Foreign Investment Act, and other relevant legislation.
IBN Immigration Solutions Letter from the CEO: February 2023
Dear valued clients and partners, It becomes increasingly difficult for me to find positive things or news to share in this column. My colleagues often request that I should not be so negative here, because it might scare off future clients. However, whenever I try to pen these lines, I increasingly struggle to share good news. The very severe load shedding schedule is putting this whole country into depression.
How to Gain Residence Through Marriage in South Africa
Let’s discuss how to gain residence through marriage in South Africa. The covers all marriages performed in South Africa, between both South Africans and South Africans and foreign nationals. Requirements Some of the requirements include that both parties must be over the age of 18 and neither one can be married to another person, as polygamous marriages are mostly banned in South Africa. However, same sex marriages are allowed.
Interviewing an Immigration Expert
Recently, our Senior Immigration Consultant, Hannah Mminele was interviewed by Lula Odiba on YFM, where she had a chance to share her expertise and opinions on both local and international immigration. YFM’s Lula Odiba: I’m so glad you’re here. Can you say “What’s Up” in German? Hannah Mminele: Oh, wow, I’m not that sure the German language even has “What’s Up” because it’s just so rigid. Like, hey, was geht? YFM: Yeah, was geht! Thank you for joining us tonight.
Immigration News from Africa: February 2023
In our monthly Immigration News from Africa, we update you on important changes in African Immigration. This edition covers news in the following countries: South Africa Kenya Uganda Botswana Namibia Ghana South Africa Citizenship in South Africa: Everything You Need to Know Following a court case regarding South Africa stripping citizenships, Andreas Krensel answers all of your important FAQs regarding getting a South African citizenship, keeping it, and the application process.
Citizenship in South Africa: Everything You Need to Know
Today I want to talk about South African citizenship. How can you obtain it? Who gets it? How can you lose it? And what can you do? Answers to all these questions will be provided in the following video and article. Please bear with me, it’s a complex topic and I will try to make it as simple as possible and as structured as possible. How to obtain a South African citizenship There’s three ways, and that’s by birth, naturalisation, and by descent.
Countries that are Visa-Exempt when Travelling to South Africa
Today, we want to give you a very short overview what visa exemption means for you. Our team has also developed a useful map for travellers interested in visiting South Africa. This interactive tool displays which passport holders are visa exempt when travelling to South Africa. The map can be found using this link. What does it mean to be visa exempt?
IBN Letter from the CEO: January 2023
Dear valued clients and partners, As we begin a new year, I want to take a moment to reflect on the past and look forward to the future. 2022 was a challenging year for us all, and I am proud of the resilience and determination shown by the IBN Immigration Solutions team.
Immigration News from Africa: January 2023
In our monthly Immigration News from Africa, we update you on important changes in African Immigration. This edition covers news in the following countries: South Africa Spouse or Life Partner Must Be Physically Present on The Day of Application From 1 February 2023, any spouse/life partner applications will require pictures of the spouse/life partner and the South African spouse must be present on the day of the application. Pre-2014 this was mandatory, and now the ruling has been reinstated.
Ultimate Morocco Immigration Guide
Morocco is a popular destination for those looking to immigrate, whether it be for work, study, or retirement. The process of immigrating to Morocco can be complex and time-consuming, but with the right information and preparation, it is possible to successfully navigate the process. Types Of Moroccan Visas Morocco Tourist/Visitors Visa: This is for people who want to explore the country and enjoy Moroccan culture without any plans to immigrate permanently.
Ireland Critical Skills Employment Permit
There are many paths to permanent residence in Ireland. One path that proves attractive to South Africans is the Critical Skills Employment Permit, allowing highly skilled foreigners to work in Ireland and later reside there as a resident. What is the Critical Skills Employment Permit? Ireland has a Critical Skills Employment Permit, designed to attract highly skilled foreigners. This is due to the fact Ireland has a list of critical skills requirements in many different market sectors.
South Africans Should Consider Studying in the UK
When looking for a quality tertiary education, many South Africans dismiss the United Kingdom, thinking that it may not be possible for them to be accepted or that there would not be many benefits to overseas studies compared to studying locally. However, this could not be further from the truth. Excellence in Teaching The UK is well-known for its high standard of tertiary education, priding itself on strict standards of quality learning.
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