Immigration bill 'a step back'

Business Unity SA's immigration adviser, Vic Esselaar, and several legal and accountancy firms warned that the new definition of "work" in the bill (Immigration Amendment Bill) could force lawyers, models, entertainers, film crews, photographers, actors, information technology and other specialists to apply for work permits to do a few days' work in South Africa. At present they can enter the country on ordinary visitors' permits.


The fact that most of these people would not have any "employer" in South Africa meant that, as the bill was now worded, their applications for work permits would be turned down, with considerable financial implications for the country.