Cape Town – Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber has invited applications for the Immigration Advisory Board, with a deadline of 7 September, a report said on Tuesday.
The board’s goal is to offer the minister data-driven insights on key departmental issues. For instance, it will assist with the court-mandated consultation regarding the future of the Zimbabwean exemption permit, SABC reported.
“If you look at what the law says, you can, through this mechanism, bring together people from Home Affairs and other departments, organised labour, business, independent experts, practitioners, draw on the strength of people to help deal with difficult challenges in this country when it comes to immigration policy,” the report quoted Schreiber as saying.
🇿🇦 The DA’s Minister of Home Affairs Dr Leon Schreiber has taken decisive action to reinstate the Immigration Advisory Board.
Where the DA leads, we will advance and expand cooperation, increase transparency and bring in expertise, to benefit South Africa. #DAatWork pic.twitter.com/GXUKF1rwsy
— Democratic Alliance (@Our_DA) July 15, 2024
Last month, the DA praised Schreiber’s commitment to improving South Africa’s work permit system.
In a statement, the party said it supported simplifying the application process, reducing visa backlogs, and introducing measures like a points system for skilled workers to boost the economy.
“Simplifying the application process, reducing the backlog, and introducing measures like the points system for skilled workers, will not only attract valuable talent but also foster a more inclusive and thriving economy.
The newly-appointed Home Affairs minister, Leon Schreiber says one of his top priorities is to improve work visa processes which he says are essential for economic growth. Schreiber says he wants to restore the dignity of the department.
Watch: https://t.co/IH1mfZdkXS… pic.twitter.com/sjREyBzkwp
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) July 3, 2024
“The Reserve Bank has estimated that four local jobs are created per skilled migrant. Contributing to an environment to rescue South Africans from unemployment was the top manifesto pledge of the DA and one that we will pursue with unwavering determination,” the DA said.
It added: “Another important element of fixing the work permit system is strengthening the nomad visa regulations. These were passed earlier this year without adequately taking into account the inputs of the public and immigration professionals. The DA therefore welcomes the commitment of Minister Schreiber to establish the Immigration
“Advisory Board which must include a representative of organised business, organised labour, and up to five other people experienced in immigration law. Such a Board is an essential ingredient to an immigration system that works for all South Africans and that includes organised business and labour.”
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
