Repatriated citizens given greenlight to go back overseas

Published May 26, 2020

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CAPE TOWN - South Africans working and studying abroad have been given the green light to return to the countries where they are based.

Home Affairs Minister Aaron

Motsoaledi together with the Department of International Relations and Cooperation and the National Coronavirus Command Council approved essential travel for South Africans who want to return to countries where they are based.

"South Africans who wish to leave the Republic are permitted to depart only for the following reasons: work, study, family reunion, take up permanent residency and receive medical attention," Home Affairs said in a statement

During the national lockdown, which is now easing to level 3 on June 1, South Africa had imposed travel restrictions and those who were living abroad were repatriated back to their home country.

To return to the countries abroad where you reside you must have the following:

(a) A copy of their valid South African passport

(b) A letter confirming their admissibility under the current circumstances from the embassy or other diplomatic/consular representative of the country they want to travel to. If returning by road or connecting via flights, the proof submitted needs to include permission from each transiting country.

(c) Proof of means of travel such as air or bus tickets and the intended date of departure.

"South Africans who fall in these categories and satisfy the criteria can send an email to [email protected]."

The department said an email would be sent to travellers who meet the criteria to enable them to proceed with their travel arrangements.

The department said those applying as a group can send one email with the supporting documents for each member of the group.

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