Irish immigration plan may end visa-free travel from South Africa

The Irish government is considering a significant change in policy, with discussions underway regarding the potential termination of visa-free travel for South Africans.

This proposed move signals a departure from recent measures, which abolished visa requirements for South African travellers less than three years ago, after the pandemic lockdowns caused Ireland to enforce strict visa requirements for travellers from countries deemed “high-risk.”

According to a recent Irish Times report, Irish immigration officials have raised concerns regarding asylum-seeking individuals from Zimbabwe and the Democratic Republic of Congo using South African passports to enter the country.

Figures released by the Department of Justice show that the authorities are currently processing the applications of 198 people who arrived on South African passports this year – just over 3% of total applications.

This issue is set to be deliberated at an upcoming meeting of the Cabinet committee on migration and integration.
Originally Published at IOL TRAVEL