BusinessLive reports that the Department of Home Affairs says it is still awaiting feedback on an application to deploy additional staff to immigration terminals at international airports to process foreign tourists.
New immigration regulations, confusion over the requirements for abridged birth certificates and new biometric systems introduced to record passenger details have led to long delays at airports. The department does not have enough staff for all the immigration counters at OR Tambo International Airport, and tourism providers and airport management are scrambling to put in place mitigating measures for the busy festive season. Despite changes to the shift system, only 60% of immigration counters are operational at peak periods. Treasury austerity measures aimed at reining in public expenditure include a prohibition on hiring public servants. Only critical vacant posts can be filled.
- Read this report by Karl Gernetzky in full at BusinessLive
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