In an attempt to eradicate stolen and forged South African passports, the UK Government has made the decision to rescind the visa exempt status of SA passport holders. This is believed to be a reaction to an increase in forged and stolen SA passports entering the UK.This in turn has accelerated the decision by the South African Government to implement the new passport format which will be the standard passport for all new applications from July 2009.In the face of a number of controversies, Home Affairs has come under fire in recent years for slow and ineffectual processes with regard to passport applications. “But,” says Isaacson, “The Home Affairs turnaround plan is working.” He believes that the turnaround plan will continue to be implemented after the election, without the threat of being derailed by some of the public conflicts which look set to alter or halt certain parts of the process. And with the continued improvement of these processes, there is at least some chance that the UK Government will consider dropping its visa requirement in the distant future.The effect of this improved process on travellers is being seen by various Immigration Offices inside and outside of South Africa. “Even the quality of decision-making with the department has improved,” Isaacson notes. “The Home Affairs Head Office has intervened on many an occasion to expedite the approval processes where large numbers of skilled foreign staff are being brought into the country.” Called the Large Account project, it gives preferential status to companies that bring in larger numbers of skilled foreign staff to ensure that the country does not lack in the expertise it needs for certain areas of development.Recognising the need to create a management structure to cope with an influx of visitors over the 2010 Football World Cup, an event visa will be issued at various airports around the world to those soccer fans attending the tournament. “This is a means of reducing waiting times at the port of entry because travellers will have pre-approved access at various large international airports,” explains Isaacson.
“Home Affairs have been improving their processes, and we’re definitely starting to see the benefit,” says Isaacson. “It’s up to Global Migration and other companies to keep on supporting the improvements and in the meantime to remain ready to work with them to ensure that unnecessary costs and protocol are cut out of the processes.”Leon Isaacson is the MD of Global Migration SA, a leading Immigration company focusing on work permit services for foreigners who wish to live, work, retire or settle permanently in South Africa. He can be contacted on 021-419-0934 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Global Migration’s website is www.globalimsa.com.
Contact information: Leon IsaacsonGlobal MigrationTel: 021 419 0934e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.www.globalmigration.co.za