South Africans who currently reside in South Africa but work in other countries, study, live permanently or urgently need medical assistance in other countries are now allowed to return to these countries. That’s what the Department of Home Affairs announced in a media statement on Saturday.
Interior Minister Aaron Motsoaledi said in the media statement that essential travel for South Africans for these five reasons had been approved, after consulting with the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) and the National Coronavirus Command Board.
The lockdown regulations have so far prohibited South African citizens from leaving the country. People with dual citizenship, foreign nationals, persons married to foreigners as well as persons who have permanent residences overseas were allowed to leave the country at the time of level 4 lockdown.
According to the Department of Home Affairs, those traveling to the countries where they live and work must have the following documents correct:
- A copy of a valid South African passport.
- A letter from the embassy or other consular representative of the country to which he is traveling confirming that the person has permission to enter the country under the current circumstances.
- If passengers join flights in another country, permission from those countries must also be submitted.
- Evidence of flight or bus tickets and the departure date.
South Africans who qualify according to the above criteria can email [email protected] .
South Africans who meet the criteria will receive an email authorizing them to travel. South Africans who apply as a group can send one e-mail with supporting documents for each member of the group.
