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.

Namibia

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.

Nigeria

Plea for Immigration Regulations to be Reconsidered

The Nigeria Immigration Service has urged the United Kingdom to reconsider its strict regulations regarding regular migration for Nigerians. The Comptroller General, Idris Isah, expressed concern that these rigid rules could contribute to an increase in irregular migration.

Isah made this appeal during a meeting held on 10 May 2023 in Abuja, where he engaged with a UK delegation on Migration, Justice, and Home Affairs Bilateral Talks, along with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama.

Isah emphasized the significance of the UK relaxing their current stringent visa issuance requirements. He also referenced high visa fees and rejection rates as his concerns.

Kenya

COVID-19 Travel Restrictions Relaxed

After witnessing a decline in COVID cases and an overall drop in positivity rate in Kenya, the Cabinet Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs in Kenya annouced that they will be lifting the requirement to provide proof of vaccination or PCR testing for anyone travelling to Kenya.

This also removes the requirement of a pre-departure COVID test.

Evelyn Cheluget replaces Muteshi as Director General of Immigration Services

Immigration Services Director-General Alexander Muteshi has handed over to Evelyn Cheluget, effective 15 May 2023. We will monitor what this effects and provide updates when necessary.

Zimbabwe

South African High Court Reserves Judgement on ZEP Cases

The Pretoria High Court has postponed its ruling on the lawsuit filed by the Zimbabwean Exemption Permit Holders (ZEPHA) and various civil society organizations against the government. These groups, including the Helen Suzman Foundation, are challenging the South African government’s unilateral termination of the Zimbabwean Exemption Permit (ZEP) system without prior consultation.

The Foundation argued in court for the decision to be returned to Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi for adequate consultation.