Question NW2400 to the Minister of Home Affairs
12 November 2020 - NW2400
Hicklin, Ms MB to ask the Minister of Home Affairs
With regard to the Level 1 lockdown regulations to curb the spread of Covid-19, why (a) Southern African Development Community countries are making it difficult for South Africans to repatriate back home while Mozambique, Botswana, Namibia and Eswatini are low-risk countries and (b) are students travelling between Eswatini and South Africa being plagued by Visa requirements as there is no exemption for university students stuck in Eswatini?
Reply:
a) Level 1 Regulations do not pose any restrictions on SADC for South African Citizens to repatriate back home.
b) The Immigration Act requires that any student wishing to register at a recognised learning institution should apply for a study visa authorising them to study in South Africa. Such study visas are issued for the duration of study. South African Missions prioritize study visa applications from all SADC countries. This is done in conjunction with learning institutions to ensure that prospective students from SADC countries are given the necessary support.
END