Unabridged birth certificate waiver a boost for tourism: Minister Kubayi-Ngubane
Kubayi-Ngubane says all ports of entries, as well as the airline and maritime industries, have been informed following the signing of the waiver.
The Minister of Tourism, Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane has welcomed the scrapping of unabridged birth certificates as a positive development ahead of the festive season as this could spurn much-needed growth in the Tourism sector.
The directive, signed by Home Affairs Minister, Arron Motsoaledi on Friday, followed by an official announcement, means that international minors travelling to South Africa no longer require unabridged birth certificates or consent letters when travelling with their parents.
Kubayi-Ngubane says all ports of entries, as well as the airline and maritime industries, have been informed following the signing of the waiver.
"There have been a number of concerns raised on the unabridged birth certificates and the impact to Tourism was enormous," said Kubayi-Ngubane.
"We believe that this announcement will go a long way in helping us to attract more tourists to South Africa as a destination of choice."
The contentious rules were introduced by former Minister Malusi Gigaga during his tenure as Home Affairs Minister.
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“To completely rescind this requirement is a win for tourism and an upside for industry and travellers alike as this has been a real concern raised throughout my engagements with various stakeholders," says Kubayi-Ngubane.
"This announcement couldn’t have come at a better time than now as we approach the festive season. It further shows collaborative efforts on priorities in the 6th administration will yield good result and in this instance, it will undoubtedly ensure ease of access to South Africa, as the work continues to bring over 21million targeted international visitors by 2030 to boost tourism and turn around our economy,” said Kubayi-Ngubane.