South Africans should be given visa-free access to the UK after security around SA passports has been tightened, says Home Affairs Minister,Dr Aaron Motsoaledi.
The Minister was speaking in an interview with radio station 702 and said that South African citizens were previously allowed to enter the UK visa-free, but this was revoked after a number of fraudulent incidents in which other nationals had forged South African passports.
“Since that time we have improved (South Africa’s passport’s security) and we think the UK must now reconsider allowing visa-free access,” Aaron said.
Headded that the Department of Home Affairs was working with a number of foreign governments to allow their citizens visa-free access to SA but this did not guarantee reciprocal access for South African passport holders.
“There are a number of considerations when giving a visa. Firstly you consider the sovereignty and security of the (applicant’s) country. Secondly, you consider the developmental needs of your own country.Lastly you have to consider the stability and security of people within your own country. You might find that you need people from a country but they don’t need you – you can then insist on reciprocation.
“We did not consider reciprocity when we took the decision about Qatar and Saudi Arabia. They on their own are considering reciprocating,” Aaron added.
