Cautionary advice for SA-resident foreign passport holders

SA residents who hold foreign passports and have permanent residence (PR) in this country beware! A new demand at all SA’s international airports is that, if you fly out of this country, you must be able to produce your original PR document on both your departure and return. According to Monya Flier, director of Intergate Immigration, such a procedure is not included anywhere in the Immigration Act nor in any other applicable regulations. “During ordinary business and visits to Home Affairs, a ‘notice’ of the change in procedure was witnessed,” she told FTW. “No other formal notice was received from the department.” Devised by whom, and for what reason, was not revealed. However, whereas before travellers were able to have their PR document number stamped in their passport, this would no longer be done. And a reliance on carrying a bar-coded book of life – which has previously been acceptable proof of PR – would no longer be sufficient. “Given this,” Flier said, “we are now advising everyone to carry documentation.” If you don’t have this original paperwork, Flier suggested that you apply to Home Affairs requesting such proof of PR. “It will take some considerable time,” she added, “but you will eventually be sent a letter confirming your permanent residence status, which is acceptable to the airport immigration officials.” The penalty for noncompliance could be tragic. “If you fail to give the immigration officials any evidence of your legal right to remain in SA upon departure,” Flier said, “they may slap you with an ‘undesirable status’ – prohibiting you from return.”