Blog – HOF Migration

October 7, 2021

SA is ready to roll out e-Visas to 15 countries

The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has begun implementation of its electronic visa system (e-Visa) to 15 countries.

The implementation would be released in a phased approach, starting with Kenya and Cameroon, said DHA Chief Director of Port Control, Rika Anker, in a letter to the airline industry on Monday (September 6).

She noted that only short-term e-Visas would be issued initially for a period of 90 days or less. “Other e-Visa categories will be added later during the implementation process.”

Meanwhile, addressing the National Tourism Stakeholder Forum, DHA Director of Immigration Services, Phindiwe Mbhele, listed the 15 countries and outlined the process followed to begin implementation.

He said e-Visa activation would start this month and likely conclude in November. The 15 countries are (in order of activation):

Kenya and Cameroon
Democratic Republic of the Congo, Philippines and Rwanda
Ethiopia, Iran and Egypt
India, Uganda and Mexico
Pakistan and Nigeria
China and Saudi Arabia

Since November 2019, the Government has been testing the South African e-Visa. At the same time, facilities with smart technology are being set up at major South African airports to facilitate electronic document checks.

Thulani Mavuso, DHA Director General of Home Affairs in South Africa, said earlier this year that the new online system would be introduced to increase tourism by making it easier for foreign visitors to obtain a visa to travel to South Africa.

The implementation and fast-tracking of e-Visas is also one of the key enablers of the Tourism Sector Recovery Plan, which focuses on three strategic pillars: re-igniting demand, rejuvenation of supply, and strengthening and enabling capability

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October 4, 2021

South Africa to be taken off UK red list for travel

By hofmigration Tourism

The UK will soon allow quarantine-free travel for almost all countries, including South Africa, according to a report in The Sunday Telegraph.

The current measures imposed by the British government permit entry to only British and Irish Nationals arriving from high-risk countries – commonly referred to as red list countries – who are required to quarantine in government-managed hotels.

However, Reuters reports that British prime minister Boris Johnson is expected to allow fully vaccinated arrivals from countries including South Africa, Brazil, Mexico and Indonesia for hotel quarantine-free travel later this week, citing The Sunday Telegraph.

The Sunday paper reported that the UK’s red list of destinations would be cut to nine from 54, with the announcement expected to be made on Thursday (7 October).

The UK’s hotel quarantine policy for higher risk countries costs £2,285 per adult (R46,000), putting a huge financial burden on potential travellers to the country.

Reuters reported that the country is already planning to relax its travel rules from 4 October by scrapping its amber list for medium risk destinations and no longer requiring fully vaccinated passengers to take a Covid-19 test before they arrive in the country from places not on the red list.

“The government has said that from later in October, arrivals in England will no longer have to take a PCR test two days after arrival and can instead opt for the cheaper lateral flow test.”

President Cyril Ramaphosa said in an address to the country earlier this week that he had spoken with Johnson to discuss the UK’s red listing of South Africa.

“This has put us in a disadvantaged position since the United Kingdom is South Africa’s biggest source of tourism from the northern hemisphere and a significant trading partner.

“While UK scientists were concerned about the presence of the Beta variant in South Africa, the reality is that the Delta variant is now by far the dominant variant in the country,” the president said.

Ramaphosa said that he put South Africa’s case to the UK prime minister, “which he understood very well”.

“We both agreed that decisions of this nature should be informed by science and are hopeful of a positive outcome when the issue comes up for review in the coming days,” the president said.

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September 29, 2021

TRAVEL FROM SOUTH AFRICA TO USA IS SET TO OPEN IN NOVEMBER – HERE IS WHAT WE KNOW

By hofmigration Tourism

South Africa is set to be on the list of countries that USA is lifting travel restrictions on this November. There has yet to be a date in November confirmed.

After a long ban, South Africans can expect USA to open its’ borders for travel & leisure.

At this stage, South African vaccines will be accepted. Travelers to the US will be required to show proof of vaccination, there has been no confirmation yet about which vaccine will be accepted, however the CDC has confirmed that both Pfizer & Johnson & Johnsons will be on the list.

Once travelers are vaccinated, there is a 14-day window in which travelers will not be able to enter the USA, therefore, we urge travelers to plan ahead.

Unfortunately, unvaccinated travelers, unless they are US citizens, will not be granted entry in to the USA.

You will still need a COVID-19 test

You will be asked to present a negative COVID-19 test result, taken no more than 3 days before departure. There will be no exceptions for a positive test result.

There are no quarantine requirements

At this stage, there have been no intentions for travelers entering the US to be quarantined for any length of time, this includes self-isolation. This is subject to change depending on the severity of the spread of the Virus in the Northern Hemisphere around November time.

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September 20, 2021

WHY YOU SHOULD STUDY IN AUSTRALIA

By hofmigration Study

Quality of Life

Australia has consistently maintained leading ranks among quality of life reports. It boasts a paradise for students wanting to study abroad, with advanced infrastructure, pioneering and world-class healthcare, accessible and convenient public transportation, all with a comparably low cost of living.

Apart from the country’s facilities, Student life is also nurtured with numerous incentivizing opportunities such as scholarships, work visas, and access to permanent residency after graduation.

High-Quality Education

Australia has established a higher education regulatory body known as the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency. This organisation is responsible for consistent monitoring of the quality of higher education providers and how it compares with the standards developed by the Higher Education Standards Panel. Not only does this alone highlight the country’s dedication to student satisfaction, but Australia even has specific laws (ESOS) to protect the wellbeing of international students in particular.

The Great Outdoors

Australia is famous for its ever-stretching landscapes and diverse wildlife. Whether you’re a beach fiend, a hiker or an animal lover. Australia has got you covered. Rest assured that alongside your studies, there are plenty of avenues for recreational activities.

Easy access to student visas

Australia caters to international students with their ‘subclass 500’ Student Visa. To obtain this, there are several requirements that must be met – like acceptance into a university as well as proof of financial means. Prospective students must also obtain health insurance that covers their stay.

(Note: What may seem like a tedious process is made laughably easy with HOF Migration – Let us take care of the ins and outs of becoming an Australian University Student).

Incredible work opportunities

The post-educational opportunities Australia has to offer are abundant. Australia offers a Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) which would allow international students to continue their term after graduation to pursue work opportunities.

Consider Australia to be the catalyst in your academic journey – you will not be disappointed.

How can HOF help?

Avoid all the intricacies of visa application and approval because we will handle it all! We can take care of the entire process from university admission to the moment you take your first step on Australian soil.

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September 1, 2021

SPRING IN CANADA: THINGS TO DO

By hofmigration Tourism

Canada is the second-largest country in the world, with a disproportionately small population. To put this into perspective, the USA boasts a population 9 times larger than Canada’s with a smaller landmass than Canada has. Canada’s vast uninhabited landscapes, therefore, leaves plenty of freedom to roam. So what can one do during a Canadian spring?

Although it may seem slightly unconventional, an absolute must during the spring is skiing! Skiing during this unlikely season is particularly enjoyable in part due to the longer daylight hours that allow for more time to explore the slopes. The overall warmer weather also means you are able to rid yourself of some of the bothersome layers associated with peak season and have more mobility to expand your skill-set. In the spring, the slopes are also significantly quieter making for a pleasant and peaceful experience. These wonderful perks can be enjoyed in most ski resorts all the way into April and even May.

If you know anything about Canada, then you know it is the motherland of ooey-gooey maple syrup and pancakes. So you have not experienced Canada at its truest until you have been exposed to all that maple syrup season brings. There are multiple maple farms scattered across Quebec, Ontario, and New Brunswick. Celebrate maple season by immersing yourself in the festivities that these farms offer with mouth-watering maple-themed breakfasts and more. One unique maple tradition worth encountering is ‘Licherie’ which involves dipping a wooden stick into boiling maple syrup and using a smaller stick to scrape and enjoy the fast-freezing delicacy.

Finally, nothing can top the charming landscapes brought on by a Canadian spring. Take time to embrace the astonishing environmental wonders during this transitional period, where melting snow gives rise to cascading rivers and waterfalls. Spring is also Canada’s cherry blossom season and so marks the perfect time to visit parks and outdoor markets. Bask in the beauty that Canada’s nature has to offer this season.

It is clear that Canada has plenty of exciting opportunities for exploration. If we have piqued your interest, let it be furthered by this country’s welcoming policies. If you are merely interested in a temporary visit, you can procure a Canada visit visa. But if you see yourself as a more permanent fixture in this wonderful country, then it may be time to embark on your journey to Canadian permanent residency. Canada offers extensive PNP and Express Entry programs that offer all kinds of individuals from varied backgrounds the chance for a better life.

What more do you need to convince you to seize this glorious opportunity?

HOF Migration can be your helping hand throughout the process, from eligibility screenings to language training and documentation. So don’t waste a second, and let HOF Migration ‘make it happen’.

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August 21, 2021

APPLY FOR A SOUTH AFRICAN PERMANENT RESIDENCY PERMIT

By hofmigration Permanent Residency

South Africa welcomes immigrants who are in a position to make a meaningful contribution to broadening the economic base of South Africa.

Before you can apply for a permanent residency permit, you must first motivate why you should not be declared a prohibited person or an undesirable person.

You and your spouse qualify for a direct permanent residence permit if you have lived in South Africa on the basis of your work permit for a minimum period of five years. Dependents of South African citizens or permanent residence permit holders can also apply.

Residency on other grounds applies to foreigners who:

are in possession of a permanent work offer in South Africa
have exceptional skills and qualifications
intend to establish a business in South Africa
qualify as refugees in terms of Section 27(c) of the Refugees Act
qualify as retired persons
are financially independent or
are relatives (biologically or judicially adopted) of a South African citizen or permanent residence permit holder.

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August 20, 2021

WHY YOU SHOULD STUDY IN THE UK

By hofmigration Uncategorized

As of 2018/2019, there were approximately 485,645 international students studying in the United Kingdom, making it the second most popular study destination in the world. This whopping statistic calls into question what exactly the UK seems to offer their prospective students.

Multicultural Environment

The UK is well known for its multicultural society, where all ethnic backgrounds and religious beliefs are represented. This welcoming and tolerant culture means that international students are able to seamlessly integrate into their new environment.

Worldwide Recognition

For centuries, the UK has maintained a reputation of excellence within the field of learning and academia. This means that degrees obtained from UK institutions are recognised globally as those of a high standard. This is supported by UK institutions holding a significant number of places within official university league tables.

The high standard of education offered in the UK means that students will be adequately prepared to contribute to an international workforce.

Lower Education Costs

Most undergraduate degree programs in the UK take three years to complete, as opposed to the more common 4 years in the US. This ultimately works to reduce the overall cost of education within the UK.

Travel Connections

The UK’s proximity to a number of countries within Europe means that students will have an unparalleled opportunity for quick and low-cost travel during their holiday periods. Whether you are studying in Leeds or London, after procuring a visa, trips to Italy are just a few clicks away with direct flights taking a mere two hours.

Cultural Attractions

The UK actually offers a number of cultural attractions that students can cover before making any European travel plans. From Stonehenge, which is a prehistoric monument that has attracted tourists since its conception to the Edinburgh Castle, there are plenty of historic wonders to explore as a student in the UK.

The perks of studying in the UK are abundant, so take this opportunity and allow HOF to make it happen for you!

How can we help?

HOF Migration will support you from the moment you consider the UK to the day you take your first step into the University of your dreams. Our experienced consultants and case managers will ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements, aid you in gaining admission into some of the top universities that we have relations with, help you procure the right documents to obtain your student visa and more.

We even offer free in-house IELTS training to prospective students who require it.

You can place your absolute faith in us to ‘make it happen’.

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