01 August 2005

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SPORT AND RECREATION

SOUTH AFRICA

10 August 2005

Ref: 2/3/B/1/3

Enquiries: Joe Theron

Tel: 012-334 3149

Fax: 012-324 3341

TO ALL NATIONAL SPORT AND RECREATION FEDERATIONS AND ENTITIES WITH RELATED ACTIVITIES

Dear Sir/Madam

REGULATING FOREIGNERS WHO PARTICIPATE IN SPORT EVENTS IN SOUTH AFRICA

The Department of Home Affairs has informed Sport and Recreation South Africa (SRSA) of revised procedures regarding the entry requirements of foreign sportspeople visiting South Africa.

In terms of the Immigration Act, 2002, as amended, all persons who are being employed or conducting activities normally associated with being employed or consistent with the profession of the person, with or without remuneration or reward, must apply for work permits. Sportspersons participating in, e.g. matches, tournaments, would mostly fall into the last category. However, if these persons are visiting the RSA for periods less than 6 months (initial 3 months and one extension of 3 months) they may be regulated on visitor’s visas provided that they obtain the necessary authorization from the Director-General of Home Affairs. The procedure is set out below:

Foreign sportspersons who wish to participate in a sports event and do not qualify for a work permit will be regulated on visitor’s permits in terms of section 11(2) of the Immigration Act as amended. In terms of this section, the Director-General: Home Affairs must authorize such persons to participate in such events on visitor’s permits. The authorization contemplated in section 11(2) of the Act:

Shall be applied for by submitting a statement or documentation confirming the purpose and duration of the visit;

May be subject to the relevant terms and conditions contemplated in regulation 7(8), which relate to-

Limitations on the type of activities that may be undertaken in the RSA;

The places where the activities contemplated in paragraph (a) may be undertaken;

The submission of:

Outstanding documents, which had to accompany the application, within a specific period not exceeding six months; and

Proof of sufficient financial means;

Payment of a deposit: Provided that such deposit shall be refunded to the depositor after the final departure of the applicant or after a permit contemplated in section 25 of the Act has been issued to the applicant: Provided further that the payment of the deposit may be effected by means of a bank guaranteed cheque or credit card at places where such facility exists; and

Limitations on the period of the visit or the validity of the permit.

May, where applicable, be granted subject to a recommendation from the relevant

organ of state; and

If approved, be endorsed on the visitor’s permit: Provided that in the case of a

national of a country that is a member of the Southern African Development

Community (SADC), the contents of paragraph (a) shall not apply.

Once the Director-General has approved such a request, a letter will be sent to the enquirer/sports organization and South African Mission abroad. Each person listed on the request must be in possession of a copy of the authorization granted.

Foreigners who are exempt from South African visa control may proceed to the RSA in line with the period for which they are exempted (30 or 90 days) and must produce the letter at the South African port of entry to an immigration officer who will issue the necessary visitor’s permit and endorse it accordingly.

Foreigners who are subject to visa control must apply for visitor’s visas at a South African Mission abroad before proceeding to the RSA.

National Sports Federations and instances with related activities must submit their requests for authorization in writing to SRSA and the following information should be provided with regard to each participant:

Name and surname.

Passport number.

Capacity/designation/position.

Date of arrival and departure.

Port of arrival.

Thank you for your cooperation and assistance.

Kind regards

GREG FREDERICKS

FOR ACTING DIRECTOR-GENERAL