The Department of Home Affairs was accused of chasing away tourists from the country.
Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi says claims that tourists were being chased away from South Africa due to expired visa documents are misleading.
Motsoaledi on Sunday held a media briefing in Pretoria regarding immigration related matters.
In particular, the minister spoke on the circular that was issued by his department in December 2023.
The circular sparked public outrage, with the Department of Home Affairs being accused of risking the collapse the tourism industry.
tourism-sector”>Home Affairs won’t destroy tourism sector
In the briefing, Motsoaledi explained that the circular was directed to the commissioner of the Border Management Authority (BMA) and managers of ports of entry, among others.
The minister said the circular was meant to guide BMA officials at the ports of entry on what to do when they encounter foreign nationals at the borders.
This included…
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