Cape Town — Ireland ambassador to South Africa, Austin Gormley, has assured that the bond between the two countries will remain strong, despite South Africa losing its visa-free entry.
Irish Minister of Justice, Helen McEntee, announced this week that South African and Botswana nationals now require a visa to enter Ireland, with the ruling coming into effect on Wednesday 10 July.
“This is a carefully considered decision which will bring Ireland into closer alignment with the Schengen Area in respect of both of these countries, and into line with the UK in respect of South Africa.
“Irish visa requirements are kept under ongoing review, having regard for the need to ensure that effective immigration controls are in place whilst also facilitating those who wish to travel to Ireland for the purposes of a visit, to work, to study, or to join family members,” McEntee said.
The Irish Embassy to South Africa uploaded a video to X where Gormley reiterated that the relations between South Africa and Ireland would not be affected and said that the requirements behind the decision were part of Ireland’s changes to immigration controls.
“Ireland enjoys very strong bonds with South African friendships, including political, economic, and people-to-people connections, and of course through sport, not least rugby. This will not change,” Gormley said.
Please see the following message from Ambassador Austin Gormley, regarding the introduction of visas for South African and Botswana nationals.
More information can be found at https://t.co/XYSBpVA8ac pic.twitter.com/R3NLMq9Cw6
— Irish Embassy Pretoria (@IrlEmbPretoria) July 8, 2024
He said the Irish government was committed to making the new system work smoothly and effectively.
“We will continue to facilitate the flow of legitimate business, tourism, education, sport, and other travel to Ireland. I appreciate very much your cooperation and patience as this new system rolls out, and please be assured of the warm Irish welcome,” he added.
The spokesperson for the Minister of International Relations and cooperation (DIRCCooperationO), Chrispin Phiri, was asked whether Ireland shared the reasons behind the decision and asked whether other countries may do the same.
He said Ministers Lamola and Schrieber will discuss the issues and address the concerns raised by South Africans following the announcement.
Minister Lamola and Minister Schreiber at Home Affairs are both cognizant of the issue and have already discussed it. Both DIRCO and Home Affairs will engage with the Republic of Ireland to comprehensively address the concerns raised. https://t.co/h86vp3oy9s
— Chrispin Phiri 🇿🇦🇵🇸 (@Chrispin_JPhiri) July 8, 2024
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
