Departments of Home Affairs and Tourism team up

Natalie Malgas
31 July 2014

Home Affairs Minister Malusi Gigaba met with the Minister of Tourism Derek Hanekom on Wednesday to discuss the new immigration regulations. Minister Gigaba said his department has the capability to extend the visa facilitation services to areas of high volume demand.

He added that the Department of Tourism will have to assist the Department of Home Affairs in identifying these areas that need the visa facilitation centres. 

As an example, Minister Gigaba said India currently has two visa facilitation centres and 12 pick-up points.

“Given that people now need to apply in person and submit biometric details, there is a need to establish more facilitation centres.” Gigaba said.

To ensure an efficient visa application process, plans for more facilitation centres are set in other countries of high demand such as China.