The various permits were issued under relaxed immigration regulations and were valid for a period of 2 years from date of issue. As a result, many start expiring in June 2015. Once expired, permit holders will be deemed illegal and could face deportation.
The Scalabrini Centre of Cape Town, an organisation that offers programmes dealing with welfare, training and assistance to migrants and locals with access to services, has called on the Department of Home Affairs to allow Angolans with these permits to renew the permits under the same relaxed regulations.
The Department has however, not granted this leeway and those wishing to extend their permits will have to prepare an application for renewal.
Angolans who qualify for study; work; business visas or permanent residency permits in terms of the new Immigration regulations are encouraged to apply for renewals timeously.
Visas and permits take up to two months or more to process and employing the service of an immigration consultant would facilitate the process.
New World Immigration is at the forefront of the latest developments in terms of the South Africa's Immigration policies and offer free assessment and expert advice
By Geruza Bumba