Cape Town – Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber met with Irish Ambassador Austin Gormley on Tuesday to strengthen relations following Ireland’s decision to require visas for South Africans and Botswana nationals.
Schreiber emphasised the commitment to modernise South Africa’s systems and enhance tourism and investment.
“It was good to meet ambassador Gormley to reaffirm the warm ties between our two countries.
“Home Affairs is committed to modernising our systems and we look forward to working with Ireland to increase tourism and investment to create jobs,” Schreiber said.
It was good to meet with Irish Ambassador Austin Gormley today to reaffirm the warm ties between our two countries. Home Affairs is committed to modernising our systems and we look forward to working with Ireland to increase tourism and investment to create jobs. pic.twitter.com/ZwX33IuM07
— Leon Schreiber (@Leon_Schreib) August 6, 2024
In response, Gormley expressed eagerness to reinforce the friendship and partnership between the two countries.
“It was my great pleasure, minister, and I look forward to working with you and colleagues to reinforce Irish-South African friendship and partnership,” he said.
It was my great pleasure Minister and I look forward to working with you and colleagues to reinforce Irish-South African friendship and partnership.
— Ambassador Austin Gormley (@IrlAmbRSA) August 6, 2024
Last month, Gormley 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 that South African and Botswana nationals now required a visa to enter Ireland, with the ruling coming into effect on 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.
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
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.
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.
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Picture: X/@Leon_Schreib
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
