01 June 2015
The portfolio Committee on
Home Affairs notes the commencement of the new immigration regulations
requirements for travelling with children.
Committee Chairperson Leminas
Mashile says, the committee remains cognisant of the teething challenges that
might arise due to the implementation of these new regulations especially to
the tourism industry.
Furthermore, the committee
urges the department to improve its communications with key stakeholders
especially within the tourism industry to ensure these rules are adhered to
and properly understood.
Mashile remains of the view
that the security of children, whether South African of foreign, must be
guaranteed at all times.
Mashile said as the portfolio
committee we take note that today, it marks the start of the implementation of
the new immigration regulation which mainly talks to travelling with children
under 18-years.
“We know that for every change
in policy of course there will be some sort of effect and impact which may be
negative or positive. We really want to wish the department of Home Affairs
success in the implementation of these regulations and no child trafficking
under our eyes happens in South Africa”, Mashile added.
Meanwhile, Western Cape MEC
for Economic Opportunities, Alan Winde, said with the new visa regulations, the
South African tourism sector is bracing itself to disaster.
Winde said, the most worrying
aspect of this process is the consultation. Spokesperson to MEC Winde Bronwynne
Jooste said, Home Affairs seems determined to forge ahead with implementing
these regulations, despite pleas from the private sector.
Jooste said Minister Winder is
much concerned about the lack of consultation by implementing these new visa
laws.
“The Red Tape Reduction Unit
has looked at the sets of proposals to minimise the effect on the tourism
factor that includes the recommendations of E-Visa’s as well as ensuring the
department of Home Affairs has the capacity, and its staff understands the
regulation so that there is no room for misinterpretation”, Jooste added.
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