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South Africa Home Affairs Information for Returning South Africans and their foreign partners |
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Issues facing South Africans abroad in terms of Home Affairs
Many South African’s, upon moving abroad to live and work, initially only focus on what is necessary and prevalent to their move to the country they intend to reside in. The fact remains that, although they are residing in another country, they are still South African citizens and most of them at some point will contact their nearest Consulate or High Commission seeking assistance with one of many possible issues.
The Department of Home Affairs for South Africa offers both Immigration services for foreigners wishing to obtain a permit or visa to visit or immigrate to South Africa, as well as civic services for the citizens of South Africa.
Most of the issues encountered by South Africans abroad are minor, such as lost or expired passports, and can be easily dealt with at their nearest Consulate or High Commission.
There are certain civic responsibilities that are required to be adhered to by South Africans living abroad, as there are for South Africans residing within South Africa. An example of this is when a child is born to South African parents or parent living abroad, the child’s birth should be registered as soon as possible and a South African birth certificate applied for.
An area causing great confusion, frustration and inconvenience is the question of the citizenship status of South African’s who have lived abroad and who have taken upon another citizenship through naturalization, marriage or other means. Many South African’s who qualified for another citizenship through their parents, grandparents etc. received their foreign citizenship prior to leaving South Africa in order to avoid restrictive visa regulations that they would have encountered while on a South African passport. It seems easy enough. Get a European or British passport and they don’t have to worry about work permits and travelling becomes easier. All good, except many while planning their trips abroad never considered the implications from a South African stand point and later on, when planning to return and perhaps renewing their expired South African passport, they are shocked to find out that their South African citizenship status has changed.
Many of these unexpected issues are causing a lot of unnecessary stress and can be avoided by understanding what is required. Some areas, such as citizenship are sensitive and complicated and need to be dealt with carefully.
How do I get professional help?
Professional help can be sought from registered immigration practitioners. Intergate Immigration assists 100’s of returning South Africans and their foreign partners each year.
If you wish to contact Intergate please use the links below:
Request a call back
E-mail your enquiry
Online Eligibility Form
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