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
- Zimbabwe
- Lesotho
- Algeria
- Kenya
South Africa
Extension of Pending Visa Applications in South Africa
Another extension has been granted to those awaiting the outcomes of their waiver applications or who have visas pending.
We’re getting used to it now. Home Affairs has normally, in 3-month steps, extended the validity of your stay, and the ability to exit South Africa while waiting for an application. Now, this deadline was ending end of September of 2022.
Now, in early September, they have extended this until the end of March 2023.
Normally Home Affairs extends these deadlines on the last possible day, but this time they have done this way in advance.
Zimbabwe
6 Month Extension of the ZEP in South Africa
For all holders of ZEP permits, you are now granted an additional six months to transfer into the proper immigration system.
ZEP holders’ visas were previously not extended, and they had a grace period ending at the end of this year (2022) to transfer into the normal immigration system. This grace period has been extended by another 6 months and it ends now on the 30th of June 2023.
Lesotho
Lesotho Special Permits Will Also End Soon
Much like the termination of Zimbabwean permits, the South African government has included Lesotho as a country that will have permits expiring. “90 000 people from neighbouring Lesotho will expire in 2023 and won’t be extended”, said Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi. This follows the cancelling of Angolan residents’ permits in August 2021.
Algeria
Algeria Pushes for More Start-Up Culture
Algeria Venture, a public accelerator, is run by General Manager Sid Ali Zedrrouki. Start-Ups are given means to access markets that previously would not have been available to them through Algeria Venture. Start-Ups register with Algeria Venture and given the opportunity to network and create partnerships. This striving for a better Start-Up culture is in line with the rapid increase in success in the Fintech sector in Algeria.
Kenya
Election Results confirmed
After a lengthy process of vote-counting and result disputes, Kenya has officially sworn in President William Ruto on 13 September 2022. In his speech he promised to be, “faithful to the Republic of Kenya, protect and defend the Constitution […] and laws and uphold the sovereignty, integrity and dignity of the people of Kenya.”
Written by Simon Carletti
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