Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, the Minister of the Department of Home Affairs has signed the waiver which will allow foreign minors to enter South Africa without carrying unabridged birth certificates and consent letters anymore.
The waiver was signed last Friday, after being officiated by the Minister’s signature.
“This improvement in our admissions policy builds on the work the department has been doing to contribute to economic growth and investment. As of Friday, 8 November 2019, foreign children can enter and depart the country without being required to provide birth certificates, consent letters and other supporting documents relating to proof of parentage,” said Minister Motsoaledi.
The Department of Home Affairs has communicated the changes to immigration officials at ports of entry and to the airline and maritime industries.
South African children are still required to provide supporting documents, in line with the requirements of the Children´s Act as well as the same applies to unaccompanied foreign children.
“It is significant that we have completed the policy changes in the week in which President Cyril Ramaphosa hosted the second Investment Conference. We anticipate that this change will have a positive impact on the tourism as we approach the holiday season,” said Minister Motsoaledi.
