Shamiso Ngwena
Government is not carrying out any visa extension services for foreign nationals whose permits were affected by the lockdown, the Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage ministry has said.
In a statement, the ministry also distanced itself from any such purported activities.
Government also said the Department of Immigration had not tasked persons or any individuals to carry out the services.
“It has come to the attention of the Department of Immigration and the Ministry at large, that there are individuals who are initiating unauthorised processes to renew visas and various other permits on behalf of foreign nationals whose permits have been affected by the Covid-19 lockdown measures, appearing as if this has been sanctioned by the Department.
“The net effect of SI 83 of 2020 [Pubic Health (COVID-19 Prevention Containment and Treatment) (National Lockdown) Order 2020 was that it automatically renewed the immigration status of all foreign nationals whose status became invalid consequent to the lockdown.”
The instrument catered for, diplomatic status, time restricted residence permits, temporary employment permits, scholar’s permits, student’s permits, temporary permits, visas and visitor’s entry certificates.
The department said the individuals purporting to be working on behalf of the Immigration Department are carrying out the exercise for their selfish gains and designs.
“No one should pay any fee to any individual misrepresenting to be providing these services on behalf of the Immigration Department.”
The ministry said visa extension are done through government and does not require any facilitation from any third parties.
Government also urged people to ignore any unofficial and unsanctioned communication being said to be done on behalf of the Immigration Department.
