CHILD IMMIGRATION UPDATE: EFFECTIVE 01 JUNE 2015
Child Immigration Update: Effective 01 June 2015
The new laws on travelling to South Africa with children
Date effective: 01 June 2015
What is required:
Where both Parents are travelling with the child:
- A certified copy of an unabridged birth certificate – showing the particulars of the parents of the child. (it has been confirmed as a copy)
Where one parent is travelling with the child:
- A certified copy of an unabridged birth certificate.
- Consent from non-travelling parent named on the birth certificate. (This document needs to be certified (i.e. Lawyer / Commissioner of Oaths / Police Station / Post office)
- Included on this consent form: Name, telephone number and particulars non-travelling parent names on birth certificate.
- Address of non-travelling parent and certified copy of passport (or drivers licence, or if none of the above are available a certified council tax bill showing the same address as listed on consent form).
- Arrival and departure dates from South Africa.
With divorced families travelling:
- If one parent has sole custody: the court order of such sole custody is needed. Permission would not be needed from the other parent as the court order would have granted full parental responsibilities and rights to sole custodian
- A certified copy of an unabridged birth certificate.
Other cases:
- A certified copy of an unabridged birth certificate
- Where applicable: A certified death certificate of the other parent or parents registered on the birth certificate as well as proof of current custodianship of such minor children (certified documents)
School Groups: & Travelling with non-biological children:
- A certified copy of an unabridged birth certificate
- A letter of consent with certified copies of passports / drivers or other ID documents giving the details of the School trip, who the named teacher/s are. Full names of the parents registered on the birth certificate. (This document needs to be certified (i.e. Lawyer / Commissioner of Oaths / Police Station / Post office)
- Each child needs to have the full itinerary with their details and where they are staying with full address.
- Contact details of the parents or legal guardian of the child included on the letter of consent.
Unaccompanied Minor:
- Proof of consent from one or both parents or legal guardian in the form of a certified letter that the child may travel to or depart from the Republic. Provided that in the case where one parent provides proof of consent, that parent must also provide a copy of the court order issued in this regard. This is to include contact details of parents or legal Guardian.
- A letter from the person who is to receive the child in South Africa, containing their residential address and contact details.
- A certified copy of the Identity document or valid passport and visa or permanent residence permit of the person who is to receive the child in South Africa.
REMARKS BY AMBASSADOR RAPU MOLEKANE ON FREEDOM DAY
REMARKS BY AMBASSADOR RAPU MOLEKANE ON FREEDOM DAY
27 APRIL 2015, SOUTH AFRICAN EMBASSY, PARIS
Your Excellencies,
Distinguished guests,
Fellow compatriots, and
Dear friends
Today we mark 21 years of Free and Independent South Africa with the theme: “Celebrating the Beginning of the Third Decade of our Freedom through Accelerating Radical Economic Transformation”. In 1994 the abhorrent, brutal, repressive minority regime of White supremacist was finally defeated and eradicated from our country. The world celebrated the birth of freedom and constitutional democracy in South Africa. This marked a turning point that saw the previously oppressed become part of the South African political process.
South Africa’s transition to democracy was one of the world’s most iconic testimonies of principles of tolerance, reconciliation and peaceful co-existence which are enshrined in our Constitution. Under the stewardship of Nelson Mandela the country began an unwavering and daunting task towards achieving these principles.
We look back 21 years today, and can proudly say that a lot has been achieved; the foundation is strong, firm and unshakable. All structures and institutions of a viable state are in place. We have held six general elections, numerous local and municipal polls, all of which have been substantially free, fair and credible. Our democracy really works. We have turned a country that was a pariah, tearing itself apart into an envy of many yet much more still needs to be done and done urgently, hence the theme of the decade of radical economic transformation. We have to show the dividends of political, stable democratic dispensation in what the Freedom Charter terms “the wealth of the country shall be shared among all the people”. Our country needs to urgently reverse the racially based ownership of the means of production and economy, wealth distribution as well as attainment of a better life.
In this decade of radical economic transformation, we will have to ensure that we move swiftly in implementing the nine point plan that President Zuma announced in his state of the nation address on 12 February this year. This plan aim to ignite growth, creates jobs and accelerates the attainment of this radical transformation. The nine point plan is composed of the following;
- Resolving the energy challenge
- Revitalizing agriculture and the agro –processing value chain
- Advancing beneficiation of our mineral wealth
- More effective implementation of a higher impact Industrial policy action plan
- Encourage private sector investment
- Moderating workplace conflict
- Unlocking the potential of SMMEs, cooperatives, township and rural enterprises.
- State reform and boosting the role of state owned companies, ICT infrastructure or broadband roll out ,water sanitation and transport infrastructure as well as
- Operation Phakisa aimed at growing the ocean or blue economy.
This nine point plan does not replace or do away with the major priorities or strategic interventions needed to create a united, nonracial nonsexist society that our constitution and the Freedom Charter calls for , that of Education and skills enhancement, Fighting crime and corruption etc. but builds on these. Our task in France and Unesco is guided by the above.
As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Freedom Charter concrete and tangible fruits of Freedom should be enjoyed by all our people, the economy must be in the hands of all our people Black and White and we are happy to say that we are moving in that direction.
We enjoy very friendly and cordial relations with the Republic of France and have a multi-faceted mutually beneficial relationship. These relations have been blessed in the past twenty years with exchange of visits at the highest level, beginning with former President Mitterrand leading the way as first guest of former President Mandela in post-Apartheid South Africa.
President Hollande was guest of President Zuma in 2013 where several agreements were signed and the two countries are now implementing these for the mutual benefit of our peoples. President Zuma is expected to visit France later this year on a reciprocal visit as a further sign of the good and ever growing relations between our countries.
It is expected that more agreements will be signed to further enhance our relation and to take stock of how far the already existing signed agreements have been implemented, especially in the priority areas of the Economy to correct the imbalance and trade deficit that South Africa suffers.
The recent attacks on foreign nationals in South Africa are a threat to our historical achievements as a nation. Moreover, the attacks go against the democratic values enshrined in our Constitution.
The South African Government condemns violent attacks on foreign nationals in the strongest terms. These attacks are unacceptable in our society and will not be tolerated. The government is doing its best to ensure that the perpetrators of these criminal acts are brought to book.
President Jacob Zuma addressed a special session of the National Assembly on Thursday, the 16th of April 2015 and also paid a visit to several affected areas. In his message, President Zuma condemned the violence and further said that [quote] “the attacks violate all the values that South Africa embodies, especially the respect for human life, human rights, human dignity and Ubuntu. Our country stands firmly against all intolerances such as racism, xenophobia, homophobia and sexism” [unquote].
We bow our heads in shame and apologize to the International community especially our neighbors and African brothers and sisters as we convey our condolence to the families of the deceased. We pledge to work together with all to find lasting solution to this challenge.
Since rejoining Unesco in 1994 our country has being playing a meaningful role in all the structures and programmes of the organization.We value the importance and strategic role that Unesco plays in the overall development of its members. Unesco touches every key area of the society and its development.We will continue to support and participate in all its programmes and wish it well in its 70th annivessary. We will be fielding a candidate for the position in the Executive board in the general conference this year and hope for your support.
Once again ladies and gentlemen thank you for making time to celebrate our 21st birthday as a free country most appreciated .
Photos from the event can be seen here : Photo Gallery
South African Government condemns terrorist attack in France
South African Government condemns terrorist attack in France
The South African Government joins the international community in condemning the calculated and barbaric terrorist attack on 7 January 2015, against journalists and members of the public in Paris, France, which is reported to have claimed the lives of at least 12 individuals.
Deliberate attacks against journalists and members of the public contravene international law and constitute a crime against humanity.
The South African Government has taken note of and supports the United Nations Security Council in its condemnation of this "barbaric and cowardly" act and reiterates its stance that terrorism in any form and from whichever quarter cannot be condoned. South Africa stands firmly with the international community by unequivocally condemning all terrorism and will continue to support regional and international efforts to address the scourge of terrorism in all its forms.
The South African Government extends its deepest condolences to the Government and people of France, especially the victims of the attack and their loved ones.
CHANGES AND AMENDMENTS ON IMMIGRATION ACT
CHANGES AND AMENDMENTS ON IMMIGRATION ACT
Corporate Visa
The administrative processing fee of 187 Euros for a work visa on the basis of a corporate visa will not be levied. Please refrain from charging corporate workers the said fee until further notice.
Section 11 (2) of Immigration Act No. 13 of 2002
All applicants of Section 11(2) of Immigration Act no:13 0f 2002, including where the foreigners are exempt from visa requirements to conduct short term work activities or stay in South Africa for less the 90 days, are required to apply for a visitor’s visa with authorization to work in terms of section 11(2). Visa fee for visitors’ visa in terms of Section 11(2) is 52 Euros
France in South Africa
FRENCH EMBASSY
www.za.ambafrance.org
CONSULATES
- JOHANNESBURG
www.consulfrance-jhb.org
- CAPETOWN
CULTURE AND EDUCATION CENTERS
Institut Français d’Afrique du Sud
www.ifas.org.za
Dibuka Library (Centre d’information sur la France contemporaine et médiathèque)
SCHOOL AND HIGH SCHOOLS
Lycée Jules Verne
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Ecole Française du Cap
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Lycée Français du Cap
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ALLIANCES FRANCAISES
Alliance Française- Johannesburg
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Alliance Française -Durban
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Alliance Française du Cap
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Alliance Française de Mitchell’s Plain
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Alliance française-Port Elizabeth
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Alliance française- Pretoria
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ECONOMY AND RESEARCH
French development Agency
www.afd.fr
Economic Service for Southern Africa
Service économique régional de Pretoria
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Business France
www.businessfrance.fr
Chamber of Commerce and Industry
www.fsacci.co.za/fr
Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD)
www.afrique-australe.cnrs.ird.fr