Withdrawing Zim dispensation 'not new'

2010-09-04 10:00

Pretoria - The withdrawal of the special dispensation which relaxed entry conditions for Zimbabweans travelling to South Africa for work, learning and travel has always been on the cards, Home Affairs Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma said on Friday.

Briefing the media in Midrand, Dlamini-Zuma said the relaxation of immigration conditions was announced in April 2009 and was put in place for a year.

"At the end of April, in reality it was a year from 2009. This special dispensation, we are extending this situation to make sure no one is left out," she said.

The withdrawal of the dispensation would mean Zimbabweans need to apply for correct documentation from their country, which would then be subject to approval based on passport information.

"I think it’s important that we know who's here and what people are doing. The Zimbabweans have assured us that they will make sure everyone is documented who needs to be."

Foreigners who already had permits could apply to the department before the end of December to have these approved. There would be a grace period for those in the country with fraudulent travel documents to approach the department for amnesty and possible registration.

As of the beginning of 2011, those identified would be arrested and face deportation. Asked if the withdrawal of the special dispensation meant South Africa was tightening its immigration policy, Dlamini-Zuma said: "I wouldn't say we are hardening [our stance]. We are just doing what needs to be done.

Voluntary process

It was never an open-door policy. We are just doing what was agreed."

Director general Jackson McKay said asylum seekers in the process of application and verification would be allowed to stay. However if their travel documents were not in order they should approach the department.

"Those in the asylum-seeking process will stay. It’s a voluntary process. They will not be forced [to leave]… [But] if they are failed asylum seekers they will be deported."

Both Dlamini-Zuma and McKay said the dispensation and its withdrawal had never been intended to address any social or political situation in Zimbabwe.

“It was dispensation not based on a situation that was improving or not improving,” Dlamini-Zuma said.

- SAPA