Answers to your questions

Have a question you would like answered? Email us and we may answer it. The questions here are based on ones from our readers, with identifying information removed.

Topic: Immigration  |  Show questions and answers for all topics

Are foreign nursing diplomas valid in South Africa?

It depends. The South African Nursing Council will recognise your qualification if it meets certain criteria.

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What visa/permit will allow my non-South African wife to stay in the country for longer than 90 days? I am a citizen.

You can apply for a temporary spousal visa or a spousal permit.

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Can I get an ID if I was born in SA to foreign parents but my uncle has a valid South African ID?

Possibly. In terms of the 2018 judgement in the Naki case, Home Affairs should accept and consider your application.

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How can asylum seekers and refugees apply for temporary residence from inside South Africa?

You can get exemption by applying to Home Affairs for a Waiver of Regulation 9(5).

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Can I get permanent residency if my parent does, and I have lived in SA for more than five years?

Yes, if you are a dependent of a permanent residence holder and are aged under 21 years. But there is a massive backlog at Home Affairs.

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Will an immigrant with expired documents be arrested if they go to Home Affairs?

They might. It would be best to contact an organisation that specialises in immigration matters.

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How can Zimbabwean domestic workers stay in South Africa?

It will be difficult. as they may not qualify for other visas in the Immigration Act.

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Can I get a South African ID if my mother was Zimbabwean but I have a South African birth certificate?

Yes, if Home Affairs accepts the ID number on your birth certificate.

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How can a foreign father add his name to his children's birth certificates?

Home Affairs should help you, but you will have to give a "good and sufficient reason"

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Can you get a spousal visa if you have not lived together?

Yes because you do not have to live together. There is no minimum period of marriage either.

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