More visa officials to clear SA-Ireland applications backlog
The Republic of Ireland has increased the number of officials processing visa applications from South Africans seeking to visit or work in that country, as it moves to clear a backlog caused by a huge spike in visa applications.
Neale Richmond, minister of state for international development and diaspora, said the decision to impose strict visa conditions was taken over a year ago when the country experienced a 100% increase in people entering the island nation from South Africa and Nigeria and claiming international protected status.
'That's why we put them on the list of those who require visas, to stop people who were coming because it was visa-free travel. They were getting here claiming international protection,' Richmond said on the sidelines of the Africa-Ireland Horizons conference in Dublin.
The imposition of the strict visa regime resulted in applications for work, family and travel visas taking months to process as the government agency responsible could not cope with the many applications.
'Those moves were very harsh, but they were necessary at the time to re-regulate migration,' Richmond said.
'I have quite a large South African minority population in my constituency who've been here a long time; they have been here 20 to 25 years, they are Irish citizens, but Granny can't come and visit the new child, business partners can't come. The head of Nandos lives in my constituency ... It's had very real human consequences; it's been tough.'
A decision was taken to triple the number of officials processing visas from South Africa and this had brought the waiting time down to three months, he said.
'We've doubled the resources in terms of visa applications in South Africa, both here in Dublin and at our embassy in Pretoria. The acute issue was far more (serious) in South Africa than Nigeria; not only for established commercial reasons but also for very clear people-to-people reasons. The process will now go much quicker but will always be under review.'
The country is prioritising South Africans for critical skills visas, he added.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
IOL News
an hour ago
- IOL News
COMMENT: Sundowns fall short at Club World Cup – but is it a win for South Africa?
Mamelodi Sundowns chairman Tlhopie Motsepe pictured next to the FIFA Club World Cup trophy. | Itumeleng English / Independent Newspapers Image: Itumeleng English / Independent Newspapers Mamelodi Sundowns may have exited the FIFA Club World Cup at the group stages, but their campaign in the United States did more than just make up the numbers — it made a statement. Despite falling short of the knockout rounds, their performance and presence on the global stage could be seen as a major win, not just for the club, but potentially for South African football at large. The Betway Premiership champions ended their tournament with four points from three matches — a 1-0 win over Ulsan Hyundai, a narrow 4-3 defeat to Borussia Dortmund, and a goalless draw with Fluminense. While that wasn't enough to book a place in the last 16, Sundowns walked away with their heads held high and their bank account significantly heavier. The club is set to pocket an eye-watering R228 million in prize money — the biggest single payday in their history — following their participation in the expanded 32-team Club World Cup. And for a team that has invested heavily in continental dominance, this financial return represents more than just cash — it's validation. At the heart of their competitive showing was Miguel Cardoso, the Portuguese tactician who took over from Manqoba Mngqithi seven months ago. In that time, Cardoso has implemented a modern, structured style of play that translated impressively onto the world stage. His side was bold and technically sharp against Dortmund, showed composure in the win over Ulsan, and displayed tactical discipline to hold Fluminense. While their early exit was disappointing on paper, context matters. Sundowns didn't look out of place — they looked like they belonged. And that matters in a tournament where African clubs are often seen as mere participants.
IOL News
an hour ago
- IOL News
Delron Buckley spearheads Arminia Bielefeld's mission for youth empowerment in South Africa
The celebrated German football club Arminia Bielefeld will bring a delegation to Johannesburg to embark on a mission of youth empowerment in South Africa and international partnerships. At the forefront of the delegation will be former Bafana Bafana left-wing Delron Buckley, who spent two seasons at Arminia Bielefeld before being signed by rivals Borussia Dortmund. Arminia has had strong ties with other Bafana Bafana players such as Rowen Fernández, Sibusiso Zuma, and Siyabonga Nkosi over the years. The agenda for the trip, which starts on Monday and continues until Thursday, includes an array of community-focused activities, signalling a commitment beyond mere sport. A scheduled training session at the Bolobathaba Academy will see local youth engage with Arminia staff, bringing together valuable practices from Europe and South Africa. The academy, known for its dedication to the development of young athletes, is perfectly positioned to fulfil the club's objectives. Included in the delegation areArminia Bielefeld managing director Christoph Wortmann, alongside Nico Luft, director of sales. Wortmann said the initiative is not just about football; it strives to deepen youth development, foster educational endeavours, and create substantial international partnerships. Arminia Bielefeld will work closely with club ambassador Buckley, whose influence and connection to both communities serve as the impetus for this collaborative effort. Furthering the investment in youth education, the visit features a coaching workshop dedicated to grassroots and youth coaches, focusing on modern player development strategies. It will enhance the coaching skills of local leaders and promote sustainable practices within their communities. Additionally, the delegation plans to host an after-work networking event where members of Johannesburg's business community, NGOs, and sports organisations can engage in dialogue. This collaboration aims to forge new economic opportunities and nurture relationships that may yield future sponsorship and investment prospects. Wortmann highlighted Buckley's vital role in connecting South African youth with European expertise: 'Delron Buckley embodies the connection between South Africa and Arminia Bielefeld like no one else. We're proud to work with him on initiatives that go far beyond football – by empowering young people, supporting education, and building lasting bridges between continents.' As one of Germany's most esteemed football institutions, Arminia Bielefeld, founded in 1905, has always directed its efforts towards a broad spectrum of social and international initiatives. The club remains dedicated to promoting education, inclusion, and cross-border cooperation through sport, exemplifying how the game can be a catalyst for change. This summer, Arminia Bielefeld is not just kicking off community initiatives in South Africa; they're sowing the seeds for a brighter future in youth football and education.
Eyewitness News
an hour ago
- Eyewitness News
Shivambu claims many MK Party members unhappy with how organisation is run
JOHANNESBURG - Former uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party secretary-general Floyd Shivambu is claiming that many party members are unhappy with the party's course. While Shivambu is still a member of the MK Party, he has established the Mayibuye Consultation Panel, which will engage members of the public on whether there is a need for a new political organisation. At a media briefing on Friday, Shivambu unveiled the Mayibuye national leadership dominated by former MK Party members. Among the former MK Party members unveiled are Patrick Sindane, Menzi Magubane and Luther Lebelo, among others. Shivambu, who is the national convenor of the consultation process, said this was not a breakaway organisation of former MK Party members. ALSO READ: Floyd Shivambu: 'I don't beg for membership of political organisations' However, he acknowledged Mayibuye has a substantial number of former MK Party members. 'Majority of MK members, including those that remain, are not pleased with the manner in which the organisation is run. That is a fact that defines a lot of members. A lot of people had trusted that this is an organisation that was coming to be a replacement of the disappearing and dissipating liberation movement, but in its current configuration, the MK is not a viable vehicle to fight the battles of the people of SA.' Shivambu said the committee would hit the ground running as early as next week to determine from South Africans whether a new political party is needed.
