AfriForum submits urgent request to Minister re new regulations pertaining to travel with minors

AfriForum has submitted an urgent request to the Minister and Director-General of Home Affairs regarding the implementation of new regulations pertaining to adults travelling abroad with children (see report).

To date, only a passport and abridged birth certificate were required. The new regulations stipulate that a child under the age of 18 leaving the country must have a birth certificate with the names of both parents. An unaccompanied minor, or a child travelling with one parent or guardian, must have affidavits by the parents in which they indicate their consent. These regulations will be implemented on 1 July 2014.

AfriForum supports the new regulations because the aim is to curb human trafficking and abduction of minor children. But is has become clear from the large number of enquiries submitted by members of AfriForum that information on all the implications brought about by the new regulations is not readily available. Parents are concerned about the time at their disposal to get all documents in place, and fear that travel plans will have to be changed at a huge cost.

AfriForum requests that the Minister and Director-General urgently consider the following:

Postponing the implementation date of the regulations to give the public sufficient time to become aware of the requirements and to submit applications for the relevant documentation

Creating a dedicated enquiry channel through which the public will be able to explain personal circumstances to Home Affairs to ensure that they have the relevant documents in place

Creating proper awareness, both with the public and the personnel of the Department

The regulations are available at the following: www.afriforum.co.za and www.wereldwyd.co.za. Until reaction is obtained from the Department, this is the only information available. The organisation is hoping for a quick response.

Statement issued by Sue-Ann de Wet, Head: Worldwide Campaign, AfriForum, June 10 2014

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