In our monthly Immigration News from Africa, we update you on important changes in African Immigration.
At IBN Immigration Solutions, we strive to deliver the most important Immigration News from Africa, on a Monthly Basis.
This edition cover changes in the below African countries:
- South Africa
- Namibia
- Kenya
- Nigeria
- Angola
- Democratic Republic of Congo
- Egypt
- Uganda
Angola
State of Calamity Extended
Angola’s current Public State of Calamity has been extended until the 15th of May 2022. Please comply with the country’s current Covid-19 protocols when entering and leaving Angola.
Democratic Republic of Congo
Ebola Vaccinations Distributed
The World Health Organisation announced that it has distributed vaccines in the North-west area of the Democratic Republic of Congo to curb the outbreak which has already claimed two lives. Please stay vigilant when travelling in and out of the Congo and follow all Covid protocols and medical screenings as necessary.
Egypt
Egypt Adds 78 Countries to E-Visa List
Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities announced that it would be adding 78 countries to its e-visa system in an attempt to introduce more visitors and stimulate the country’s economy through tourism.
Namibia
IBN Namibia Office is Moving
Our IBN Immigration Solutions’ Namibia branch is in the process of moving offices this month. While our staff has not officially moved in yet, our new Namibia branch address is ERF 740 A, Liszt Street, Windhoek West. We will update our clients as we have more information on the completion of the move.
Nigeria
Nigeria Introduces New Visas
Comptroller General of Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Isah Idris, announced the introduction of several new visa types to Nigeria, stating that the new visa policy called the NVP 2020, “… is an ambitious document that would drastically transform the economy of our country. In the document, we have expanded visa classes from mere six to 79 classes in three new categories of Short Visit Visa (28 classes), Temporary Residence Visa (36 classes) and Permanent Residence Visa (15 classes).”
New Passport Production Centre Opening in Enugu
The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) announced the introduction of its new, highly secure e-passport, generated in an attempt to curb immigration corruption in the country. A new passport production centre has been opened in Enugu to service the south-eastern region of the country.
Nigerian Embassy in Moscow Suspends Passport Production
The Nigerian Embassy in Moscow announced the suspension of passport production in a communique sent out in early April. Passport production is due to begin again on the 29th of April 2022.
Kenya
Kenya Lifts Mandatory Covid Restrictions
Kenya has lifted all remaining mandatory Covid-19 restrictions. Wearing masks in public areas is no longer necessary but Health Minister, Mutahi Kagwe, has warned citizens to keep up hand-washing and social distancing in an effort to keep Covid cases low.
South Africa
South Africa’s State of Disaster Lifted
South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa, recently announced the upliftment of the State of Disaster in South Africa, moving to scrap mask-wearing in public places. Certain Covid protocols still remain for travelling in and out of the country, so please research these before attempting to travel.
Travel Restrictions on South Africans
While many American and British airlines have recently scrapped mask mandates, South Africans will still be required to wear masks on flights. Please check the travelling requirements of the airline you will be utilising when travelling in or out of the US (United States) or UK (United Kingdom).
Uganda
Ugandans – Do Not Use Third Parties When Applying for Passports
The Ugandan government has called on locals to resist offers from third parties attempting to ‘help’ procure passports. Uganda outlawed the older passport-type changed over to an e-passport, which Immigration Spokesperson Simon Peter Mundeyi insisted must be completed personally by Ugandan citizens with no third parties being involved. At present, there is a backlog at Kyambogo passport collection centre offices, where over 10 000 new passports are currently waiting for collection.
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