Chamber lobbies against immigration law changes
RANDBURG – Skilled labour is forced to leave while foreign investors turn away from South Africa, says the Randburg Chamber of Commerce & Industry.
The Randburg Chamber of Commerce & Industry (RCCI) says it is lobbying against the changes to immigration law “at the highest levels of government”.
RCCI Manager Linda Blackbeard claims that the effects of the Immigration Regulations of 2014, which came into effect in May (see previous article), are “ridiculous”.
“People are stamped as undesirables if they stay one hour longer than allowed,” she says.
“Foreign investors are threatening to invest in other countries. Skilled people here, have to leave.”
She says the changes are detrimental to the South African economy and may cost us billions of rands in foreign investment.
“The changes also sorely affect the importing of labour,” she says.
Blackbeard asks that if any local businesses are experiencing difficulties because of the changes, whether due to problems incurred, inconvenience or loss of revenue, to email her at manager@rcci.co.za so that she can bring them before the authorities.
She further adds that the sooner the businesses contact her the better.
She is willing to keep businesses confidential if they prefer.
The Immigration Regulations of 2014 made extensive adjustments to the use of visas.
Three of the most controversial changes are as follows:
- Persons who overstay for a prescribed number of times will be declared as undesirable – fines will no longer be charged for overstaying.
- Section 46, which dealt with Immigration Practitioners, has been repealed as applicants will now be required to apply in person at the Mission in the country of origin or where they permanently reside.
- First time applications for visas will be made at the Mission, and only renewals or extensions can be made in the Republic (at VFS Global offices).
Details: Randburg Chamber of Commerce & Industry admin@rcci.co.za, 086 101 9218.
