South Africa's new visa rules take effect from 1 December - here's what you need to know

The Department of Home Affairs has published an amendment to the Immigration Act which is set to have major implications for immigrants, tourism and the economy.

The changes – which will come into effect from 1 December - were first mooted as part of President Cyril Ramaphosa's economic stimulus package revealed in September.

Arguably the biggest change will be the reversal of a rule introduced by former Home Affairs minister, Malusi Gigaba, which required foreign minors travelling to South Africa to produce an unabridged birth certificate before being allowed access into the country.

This birth certificate requirement has been a major point of controversy, with a 2016 report released by the DA finding that the rule cost the country as much as R7.5 billion due to lost business from blocked tourists.

Other changes include:

    Revised rules for spouses entering the country as part of a permanent homosexual or heterosexual relationship.
    Revised rules for applicants of a general work, business, and corporate visas.
    Changes for applicants of permanent residency or residency on other grounds.

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