HYPE around immigration regulation
‘changes’ has once again resulted
in confusion in the market.
In the wake of the Department
of Home Affairs’ press briefing on
February 5 to announce that the
short-term recommended changes
to the immigration regulations had
been completed, various media sites
reported that the UBC requirement
had been scrapped. However, both
outbound and inbound travellers
who travel with minors must still
carry an unabridged birth certificate
or risk being turned back by
immigration officials.
The pilot project to capture
biometric data from foreign
travellers at South Africa’s
international airports had been
completed and was now in effect,
the department said. However,
the DHA added that the UBC
requirement for travelling minors
was still being “strongly advised”
and that entry into the
country would be at the
discretion of immigration
officials.
It is concerning that the
requirement is left to the
discretion of immigration
officials, says Rachael
Penaluna, business
manager for Sure Maritime
Travel. She points out this
wording could open up the
possibility for corruption
and bribery at the airport.
“International agents
and airlines are already
confused and misinformed
about the current
process. I think this new
announcement will muddy
the water even further.”
Russel Jarvis, head
of communications at
Travelstart, agrees: “There
has been much talk about
what concessions are
being discussed and little
about what travellers are
supposed to do in the
present.”
Meanwile, airlines are
not taking any risks and
still checking for this
documentation.
British Airways says:
“We have not received
any notifications from the
Department of Home Affairs
regarding changes to the
documentation required
when travelling with children
under 18.”
Likewise, Jane Hu, sales
manager of Air China’s
Johannesburg office, told
TNW the airline was still
requesting a UBC from
passengers travelling with
a minor to South Africa.
She says Air China has
been informed to request
the necessary travel
documentation by DHA
and has yet to hear of any
changes.
In terms of changes for
outbound travellers, the
DHA said it would introduce
a “next phase” of changes
to regulations, which it
hopes to introduce by
October 31. During this
phase, parents’ details will
be printed in their children’s
passports so that they
do not have to carry birth
certificates.
