Make adequate arrangements before setting off on a trip to SA – High Commissioner

The High Commission of Zambia in Pretoria has advised Zambians travelling to South Africa, particularly those going to meet church leaders in various parts of the country, to ensure that they make adequate arrangements before setting off on their trip.

The advisory comes in the wake of several Zambians getting stranded while in South Africa after running out of money.

The Zambians are, as result, forced to go without food and to spend nights in the open.

Zambia’s High Commission to South Africa Press Secretary Nicky Shabolyo says Zambians planning to travel to that country are advised to first contact their hosts in South Africa so that they could gather all the necessary information pertaining to their trip.

Mr. Shabolyo says it will be important for travellers to make prior arrangements for accommodation, transportation, food and to carry enough money to last them the entire duration of their stay in South Africa.

He has further advised that the Republic of South Africa has amended its Immigration Act and this became law on May 16, 2014.

He explains that with effect from 1st October, 2014 (although a grace period was later given for the effective date), parents travelling with a child or minor under 18 years, are required to produce an unabridged birth certificate of the child, reflecting the particulars of the parents of the child.

He says there has also been an increase in the administrative fines to be imposed on those who overstay or contravene the Immigration Act in any other manner.

He furthermore explains that once the Visa has expired, foreigners face a ban labelling them ‘Undesirable Persons’ for periods of one, two or five years and that if the period overstayed is 30 days then the penalty is 24 months.

Mr. Shabolyo in a statement says if a person’s Visitor’s Visa has expired, they risk being declared an ‘Undesirable Person’ when exiting South Africa as immigration officials have now been authorised to ban any foreigners for overstaying even by two days.