Visa reforms to be implemented by 1 April - Iipumbu

All visa proposals must be finalised for implementation by 1 April by the home affairs and immigration ministry. 

Minister Lucia Iipumbu said this in her annual staff address, emphasising that stakeholder inputs must be consolidated without delay."

“We must manage the transition responsibly,” she said.

“Announce a grace period for domestic and farm workers to regularise their documentation before the commencement of visa requirements by 1 April, beginning implementation measures already in March, as we successfully did with visa-on-arrival,” the minister said. 

She noted that business visa proposals must be resubmitted to Cabinet once all stakeholder inputs are fully incorporated and validated.

In addition to visa reforms, Iipumbu stressed the need to strengthen immigration operations at border entry points.

She said that immigration heads have been directed to assess border infrastructure and current staff levels and submit practical recommendations to address gaps. 

-Ellanie Smit