Visa waiver granted to int'l students affected by protests

South Africa's Home Affairs Minister Malusi Gigaba has granted a visa waiver to international students who are negatively affected by the recent student protests, the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) said.

The decision was taken following consultations with the International Education Association of South Africa (IEASA), DHA spokesperson Mayihlome Tshwete said.

The international students currently have study visas expiring from the end of October and November 2015, according to the DHA.

Due to widespread protests against tuition fee hikes across the country last month, universities had to postpone the examinations for international students, leading to the expiry of many international students' visas.

These students would have been declared undesirable when leaving the country on expired visas, Tshwete said.

In light with the decision, the students will now be allowed to stay in South Africa until December 31, 2015 and will not be declared undesirable if they exit before the extended date, he said.

Any student who intends to return to South Africa in 2016 for study purposes will have to follow the usual process of either applying for a renewal of their visa or apply for a study visa in their country of origin, whichever is applicable, said Tshwete.

The IEASA is currently liaising with the affected universities to compile a list of such students.

Once received, the list will be communicated to the DHA to ensure that only bonafide students are covered by this provision.

Gigaba takes this opportunity to encourage all students writing their examinations to dedicate their energies to studying and wishes them well in their endeavors, Tshwete said. Enditem