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. 

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 government has extended the deadline to 31 December 2023, providing an additional nine months.

Namibia

Work Visas Go Digital

The Namibian Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety, and Security have announced that as of 15 March 2023 they have implemented an online application system for Short-Term Employment Permits and Namibian Ordinary Passports. 

Botswana and Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe and Botswana in Passport-Scrapping Talks

Reports suggest that citizens of Zimbabwe and Botswana will soon be able to use their national identity cards as travel documents between the two nations. Botswana President Mokgweetsi Masisi has hinted at the possibility of scrapping the use of passports for cross-border travel.

Botswana and Zimbabwe have a shared history, culture, and family ties that go back long before the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 1983.

Mozambique

Mozambique Announces Visa Exemption for 28 Countries for Tourist and Business Visas Boost

The Council of Ministers has approved a decree granting visa exemption to 28 countries for tourism and business purposes in Mozambique. The exemption is applicable to visitors carrying ordinary passports and allows for a stay of up to 30 days, which can be extended for an additional 60 days.