South Africas new Home Affairs Minister

Show Voice Options The new Minister of Home Affairs is Leon Schreiber, who was appointed by President Cyril Ramaphosa on 30 June 2024. The position includes responsibility for immigration, refugee and asylum policy, for the civil registry, and for the issuing of identity documents and passports. A member of the Democratic Alliance (DA), he is the first member of his party to serve as the Minister of Home Affairs.[1]. He previously served as the Shadow Minister of Public Service and Administration from May 2019 to June 2024 as part of the shadow cabinet. Will the new Minister extend the travel directive and push the new Digital Nomad Visa? Many foreigners in South Africa have been anxious as the latest travel directive was expiring, allowing those waiting on visa results to leave without a travel ban. Should they leave before 30 June or stay put and trust in the new government? During the inter-regnum phase following the elections, no action or communication was provided. As of 1 July, bans will be issued, but there are indications of an extension coming. The new Digital Nomad Visa also needs action. Although signed into law, it still requires updated forms and training for South African missions abroad. The new Minister of Home Affairs, set to be sworn in on 2 July, should have an eye on both issues. A young (35 years old) and outspoken member of the (former opposition) Democratic Alliance (DA), he should be more business-friendly than his predecessor. His task will be building trust and authority in a department fraught with challenges and led by officials closely aligned with the ANC. We wish him thick skin and diplomatic wisdom.