It does not surprise that Minister Motsoaledi continues his defiant and xenophobic politics by extending all Visa again only in the 11th hour.
He has still escaped his deserved fate to be axed and rules as he pleases. All Visa are again extended, this time until 31 December 2021, which in itself is a joke considering the necessity of the DHA to receive and process extension applications in the days before the deadline that conveniently fall into a period where VfS and DHA are most likely closed or on Skeleton Staff due to the Christmas Holidays.
Scores of foreigners sat on packed suitcases and some lost the nerve and left, just to learn that they could have stayed and continued to spend money in a desolate economy if it wouldn’t be for Motsoaledi’s late decision published in his 12th Immigration Directive only 36 hours (sic!) before extended visa expiry. His offices remain – also without any real reason – closed for submitting Permanent Residence Applications until January 2022. No clearer signals for foreign investors than those: “Stay away or go home, we don’t want you here!“.
Well done Minister, wait until Ramaphosa and his SIU have time to deal with you. At the latest, the people will remember you when they are on their way to the urns at the next General Elections!