AfriForum welcomes the postponement of the implementation of new regulations regarding travelling with minors, but requests an overall review that not only focusses on human trafficking, but also on the promotion of well managed immigration and the interests of the tourism industry.

The minister of Home Affairs, Malusi Gigaba, announced changes to the new visa regulations in South-Africa on Tuesday, 16 September. The implementation of two of the new regulations regarding travelling with minors was once again postponed, this time until 1 June 2015.

These regulations refer to the requirements that children must have written permission from both parents or guardians and a complete birth certificate to approve travelling plans.

AfriForum recognizes that human trafficking is a very serious problem. With that being said, tourism is also an important industry in South Africa which ensures income from foreign countries and the creation of jobs
South Africa is a tourist attraction that faces many challenges such as crime, the fact that it is no longer as cheap to visit the country as it was in the past and that it is situated far from other continents. Thus, long expensive trips are required to visit the country. Therefore it must be made easy for the bona fide tourist to enter the country, but also for the local tourist to travel to foreign countries.

Where immigration is concerned, significant regulations are important. South Africa faces various shortcomings when it comes to skills, and if the tourist gets put off by unreasonable regulations, immigrants will too.

AfriForum suggests that all regulations be reviewed properly to accommodate all important roleplayers. These roleplayers, which include tourism operators, airlines, migration specialists and foreign affairs divisions, should be involved in the reviewing process done by the Department of Home Affairs in order to find practical and sustainable solutions.

Currently, the departement is not concerned with these roleplayers. AfriForum wants to work together as partners instead of frequently considering legal action and mobilisation.

Issued by AfriForum