Implementation date for new regulations postponed to 2015

The department of Home Affairs has once again postponed the new immigration regulations on travelling minors, until June 2015 – the new date was announced on Tuesday by the minister of home affairs, Mr Malusi Gigaba.

The new regulation requires that travellers must apply for unabridged birth certificates when they travel internationally with children under the age of 18. An unabridged birth certificate is from the responsible authority in the country which lists the particulars of the child’s parents.

The new legislation has been delayed because of the impact it could have on the travel and tourism sector, therefore travellers will not be required to comply with it until next year. It requires that children be in possession of unabridged birth certificates and have written permission from both parents or guardians.

The spokesman for home affairs, Mr Mayihlome Tshwete, says that when both parents have predeceased the minor, the guardians of the child must submit their death certificates to prove that they are legal guardians when they apply for the unabridged certificate. The death certificates will be used to support their documents.

The regulation was due to take effect on July 1 but the public complaints, saying that it could take up to a year to obtain an unabridged birth certificate, which could affect plans to travel during Christmas holidays, so the department postponed it to October 1, which has been postponed yet again to next year.

If children are travelling with only one parent, they will be expected to produce an unabridged birth certificate; a court order granting full parental responsibilities and rights or legal guardianship in respect of the child. “The department is implementing something that has been long overdue,” said Tshwete.