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bi-monthly
HPASA newsletter. |
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October 2011
IMMIGRATION
DEPARTMENTS STEP UP THEIR GAME
By Dirk Meissner, IBN
Consulting & Immigration
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We have noted recently
that certain processes have become
more formal and strict. While it feels,
at times, as if this is new red tape,
it is merely the current laws being
put into practice. Maybe we had it
too easy before.
Various Sectors
The strict protocols apply to various
sectors pertinent to investors, such
as the South African Revenue Services
(SARS), the South African Reserve
Bank (SARB), the Registrar of Companies
and the Department of Home Affairs.
Accountability, Reliability,
Predictability
While the implementation of the current
laws can cause delays and frustration,
the reason behind the drive to formalisation
is to counter any personal influence-making
on government officials – corruption
- and to achieve quality and performance
standards, ultimately leading to accountability,
reliability and predictability. |
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Dirk
Meissner
IBN Consulting & Immigration |
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Clean Audit
With the focus on immigration, the Department
of Home Affairs is trying to get its house
in order and recently received its first
“clean” audit in 20 years–meaning
that their financial affairs are in order.
Many citizens can testify that the issuing
of passports, identity documents and birth
and marriage certificates has improved.
Passports are usually sent within 2 weeks.
In order to process large number of applications,
the “system” must work.
Track and Trace
Of course there are significantly less applications
for residency in South Africa, but they
do come from all over the world, with different
documentation, making standardisation trickier,
but at least the process can be made more
transparent. In June 2010, the department
introduced the “Track & Trace”
system as well as a central call centre
to help track the status of an application
- and equally important - where it is in
the system.
Incomplete
Applications
At the same time though, we notice that
the adjudication of permits has become very
strict. If one document is not in order,
the entire application is quickly refused.
Also in certain instances, spouses and dependants
of main applicants are processed simultaneously.
This has - for instance in case of retired
people - come to a stop. Although thiswas
more of an inconsistency in the application
of the law, it is now strictly enforced.
Conclusion
As they say with any reform: Before it gets
better, it first gets tougher. Officials
indicated that the engine must first run
smoothly, before they will allow any flexibility
again.One would just hope that the people
who set these new higher hurdles are going
to perform according to their own standards,
operate within reasonable response times
and are accountable and responsible. And
maybe investors can even ask for some efficiency
and adherence to deadlines by the South
African government.
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