15 Jul Plans to Reform the Department of Home Affairs
The reformation of the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has become a pressing issue, now more than ever. Reforming business processes and modernising the system is the key to processing applications efficiently.
The newly appointed Minister of the Department of Home Affairs, Dr. Leon Schreiber, holds a PhD in political science and spent five years as a senior research fellow at Princeton University, focusing on how developing countries in Africa and Asia can reform dysfunctional institutions.
The Department of Home Affairs is a central aspect of South African society. It is the custodian of the identity of all South African citizens, playing critical roles in identity documents, marriage and death certificates, and permanent residency authorisation.
The Home Affairs Backlog
One of the main challenges to address is that of the infamous Home Affairs backlog of visa applications.
In the ever-changing global economy, South Africa has a demand for skilled workers to help grow and strengthen the economy. South Africa has an acute shortage of skilled labourers and limited job creation. The shortage of skilled labourers has been noted by President Ramaphosa as the second biggest impediment to economic growth, the first being loadshedding.
South African and international companies in South Africa have expressed their dismay at the delayed visa processing applications by the DHA. The delay in visa processes has had a detrimental effect on not only international employees but also on the economy, as companies lose skilled labourers and investors due to visa delays.
According to the Western Cape government, 4500 jobs and R1.6 billion in economic value are at risk of being destroyed due to the continued backlogs and delays at Home Affairs in processing visas. The delays have threatened expansion plans, investment, and job creation amongst companies in a country with an already high unemployment rate.
Between 2014 and 2021, an average of only 3,162 visas were approved per year.
The New DHA Minister
The newly appointed minister has stated that one of his main priorities is to resolve the dysfunctional visa application system and other systemic problems within the DHA. Improving the processes for visas is the key to economic growth and an improved international reputation. He will also be having a closer look at the role of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation with Home Affairs as the two work closely together to process visa applications.
The introduction of the remote working visa was a huge step towards implementing positive change in the system. It was a clear sign to foreign investors that South Africa was serious about attracting skilled workers to the country.
The Minister has also stated that he will focus on issues that have frustrated many South Africans, such as the long waiting queues and the systems being frequently offline. “We will have to take a close look at how we reform those processes to make them more efficient,” stated Minister Leon Schreiber.
The combination of technology reforms and business process reform is the key element to reducing waiting times and making it a more dignified experience for all people.
Schreiber plans to look at a better working environment for DHA staff too. The goal is to have the DHA working smoothly and efficiently, creating a pleasant experience for all involved.
Mitigating Corruption
Corruption is another core issue that has plagued Home Affairs and will be tackled by the minister. Just this week, the Government of Ireland implemented a new visa requirement for South Africans, who previously enjoyed visa-free travel to Ireland. The new ruling came after the integrity of South Africa’s passport was called into question. Corruption within the department has resulted in several fraudulent passports being issued.
The minister has however cautioned South Africans, to curb their expectations of immediate change. Reformation of the Department of Home Affairs will be a major undertaking and therefore it will take time.
At June Luna Immigration Attorneys, we are committed to guiding applicants through the often complicated processes of Home Affairs. For more information on the reforms of the Department of Home Affairs, visit our website. For assistance with visa processes and applications, don’t hesitate to reach out and contact us.