Zimpapers Logo

Thandeka Moyo, Chronicle Reporter 

ZIMBABWEAN children travelling to South Africa will no longer be required to carry additional documents like birth certificates and consent letters after the neighbouring country’s Home Affairs Minister Pakitshe Aaron Motsoaledi signed a waiver relaxing the immigration requirements. 

Previously, children from visa exempt countries like Zimbabwe intending to travel to South Africa were required to carry a valid passport and additional supporting documents including a birth certificate, death certificate, consent letter when travelling with one parent or a guardian. 

In a statement, Minister Motsoaledi said the waiver is granted on condition that all other requirements for entry and departure from South Africa shall be met. 

“I Dr Pakitshe Aaron Motsoaledi Minister of Home Affairs has with the powers bestowed upon me in terms of section 31 (2) of the Immigration Act 2002 Act number 13 of 2002 decided to grant a waiver to foreign children from visa exempt countries entering or departing the Republic from complying with the provisions of Regulation 6 of the immigration regulations 2014. The department is in the process of finalising amendments to the immigration Regulations in this regard,” said Minister Motsoaledi. 

According to the Minister, the immigration directive must be brought to the attention of all relevant officials.

“This means that foreign visa exempt children are no longer required to present a birth certificate, parental consent letter or other supporting documentation such as a death certificate or court order when travelling with one parent or legal guardian or someone other than parent or legal guardian. This waiver is granted on condition that all other requirements for entry and departure from the Republic shall be complied with” —@thamamoe