South Africa – Permits Foundation responds to Green Paper on international migration
05 October 2016Permits Foundation has responded to South Africa’s Green Paper on International Migration, which was published by the Minister of Home Affairs, MKN Gigaba, in June 2016.
In general, we welcome the Green Paper, which acknowledges the advantages of migration to development in South Africa. In particular, we applaud its recognition of the need for a new fast-track, long-term visa for migrants with the necessary skills, investment and business interests, which will also allow family members to work and study without applying for a separate visa.
In our response, we have urged the government to include those covered by the current intra-company transfer visa, along with the critical skills visa, when they define the categories covered by the new visa.
We have also asked for further information about a recent change, mentioned in the Green Paper, whereby family members are granted work and study visas without delay.
Following the responses to the Green Paper, for which the closing date was 30 September 2016, it is expected that South Africa will issue a White Paper with proposals for legislation in early 2017. At Permits Foundation, we aim to stay in touch with the authorities and closely monitor whether our recommendations will be reflected in the White Paper.
Internationally, 30 other countries now grant a right to work for spouses of intra-corporate transferees or other highly skilled staff. South African families benefit from these measures when assigned abroad.