Pretoria – Home Affairs Minister Malusi Gigaba has, on the request of the Lesotho government, agreed to extend the due date for the application of the Lesotho Special Permit to 31 December 2016.
The initial due date was in September.
According to the Minister, a total of 102 316 Lesotho nationals submitted online applications. Of these, 64 427 applicants made the necessary payment and scheduled appointments at Visa Facilitation Services (VFS).
Addressing the media in Pretoria earlier today, Minister Gigaba called on the Basotho nationals intending to continue working, doing business or studying in South Africa to ensure they apply for their special permits.
Minister Gigaba said having looked at the request for an extension, he had come to the determination that it would be best to grant more time in the interest of all parties concerned.
“This extension applies to all LSP applications and payments, meaning that people must have applied and paid by 31 December 2016 to avoid consequences,” said Minister Gigaba.
He warned that beyond the deadline, money will be refunded where the application process is incomplete and that deportations will kick-in for those found in the country without enabling documents that legalise their stay.
The Minister also called on Lesotho nationals who have applied to call the VFS call-centre to check if their permits are ready for collection and collect them if they are ready.
“Basotho nationals who produced Lesotho IDs cards when applying without valid passports are to provide their passports latest 31 December 2016,” Minister Gigaba said.
From 1 January 2017, all those who have paid but have not completed the application process by end of March 2017 will face deportation.
Minister Gigaba said between now and end of December, extra effort will be made to encourage more people to apply, to complete the process and to collect their special permits.
“Our teams will go out to where people are and also streamline the application and payment process to make it easier for the applicants,” the Minister said.
In December, the teams will focus on the main ports of entry.
“For better deployment of resources, Basotho are advised to visit Home Affairs offices to confirm their readiness to apply.
“We have the names of those who filled the forms but still have not completed the process. Their names will be referred to the Ports of Entry for listing,” Minister Gigaba said.
According to the Minister, the moratorium not to deport will be lifted on 31 March 2017.
From 1 to 30 November 2016, Home Affairs teams and eight mobile units from VFS will go out to the provinces to assist people who cannot travel to VFS centres. – SAnews.gov.za
