By Ziyah News Network Reporter
South Africa- Newly appointed South African Home Affairs Minister Dr Leon Schreiber; has hit the ground running as he assumed office promising to improve the efficiency of the country’s Department of Home Affairs which is sitting on a backlog of 92000 as of February this year.
In his address through a statement Dr Schreiber not only vowed to deal with the current backlog but offered a reprieve to all foreigners whose visa applications have been affected by inefficiencies in the Department of Home Affairs.
“In my first act as Minister, I have immediately extended the concession to safeguard skilled workers, tourists and other people affected by visa processing delays at Home Affairs. I have done so after the previous concession expired on 30 June, which left applicants vulnerable to adverse consequences, including erroneously being declared “undesirable” through no fault of their own,” he said.
He also said it was imperative for his Ministry to act and protect critical people who are contributing to the economic body of South Africa if declared undesirable
“Without this concession, international tourists and workers who contribute to our economy would have been punished if their documentation expired while they awaited the outcome of Home Affairs processes. This would not only be unfair and irrational, but would also discourage investment, tourism and skills transfer.”
The concession granted by the Minister runs until 31 December 2024 and he has pledged to make timeous interventions as part of the measures to reinvigorate this key Department of the Ministry.
“I pledge that there will not be any repeat of the current situation where the concession expires before an extension is announced. While we work on the backlog, I undertake that any further modification or extension of the concession will be communicated before the new expiry date of 31 December 2024”