#Ireland from visa free travel for SA
Ireland’s Justice Minister Helen McEntee has announced that South African and Botswanan passport holders will need to obtain a visa before traveling to the Republic of Ireland from tomorrow (July 10).
The minister added that if the nationals of any of the countries intend to pass through Ireland to other destinations, a transit visa is also required.
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Citing the reason for the turnaround, Ireland’s Department of Justice said it had received a significant number of international protection applications from Botswana and South African nationals in recent years.
Both countries are designated as safe countries of origin for international protection purposes. A “safe country of origin” refers to a country where an asylum seeker is unlikely to face threats of persecution, torture or inhuman or degrading treatment or disproportionate violence, and are the only countries on the “safe countries” list. which are not the case now. They need a visa
“This is a carefully considered decision that aligns Ireland more closely with the Schengen area in relation to both of these countries and with the UK in relation to South Africa,” McEntee said.
“Ireland’s visa requirements are subject to ongoing review in light of the need to ensure effective immigration controls are in place as well as facilitation for those wishing to travel to Ireland for the purposes of travel, work, study or affiliation. family members
The Dublin Visa Office will establish a dedicated South Africa desk to process applications from South African nationals.
The ministry will also establish three visa application centers across South Africa with visa service provider VFS Global.
The visa system is an important part of our immigration system to determine who can travel to Ireland. A wide range of factors are considered when introducing visa requirements to ensure we can continue to facilitate travel with strong, effective and robust processes. McEntee pointed out.
The new visa requirements will not apply to diplomatic passport holders.
Transitional arrangements will apply to nationals of the two countries who have existing arrangements (made before 10 July) to travel to Ireland by 9 August.
Nationals of South Africa and Botswana with travel arrangements are advised
This post is written by God003