When applying for your South African residence permits and visas, make sure that you follow the correct application procedures or follow dire consequences.

South African authorities have encouraged foreign nationals to apply for visas or residency permits using the official procedures set out by the South African Department of Home Affairs. Commenting on the issue of unauthorized and fraudulent permits, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, Minister of Home Affairs, said his department plans to investigate and review those permits from individuals who are suspected to have received their South African visas and/or permits fraudulently or by misrepresentation.

Dr Motsoaledi said his department will do everything possible to bring fraudsters and their clients to book, according to an article published on the SABC News website, adding that criminals will face a range of penalties, including but not limited to extradition.

The Mayors of Johannesburg and Ekurhuleni and the Department of Home Affairs addressed the effect of illegal migrants on their cities at a meeting of joint committees on the impact of illegal migration on the country's cities.

An article released by the Parliamentary Monitoring Committee of the City of Johannesburg reporting on this meeting reported that illegal immigration exacerbated significant problems for residents in the provision of basic services and temporary emergency accommodation (TEA). It welcomed foreign nationals into Johannesburg and the region, but it was crucial that it was done lawfully by all those who came.

The mayor of Egoli also pointed out that, in many instances, foreign nationals have contributed positively to South African society and the economy of the country by setting up enterprises, generating employment for South Africans, and becoming customers of South African companies and service providers.

An estimated 4.2 million migrants resided in South Africa at mid-year 2019.

Got some skills? The good news is South Africa needs immigrants!

Speaking to the media late November last year Home Affairs Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi said South Africa is actively seeking to attract foreign nationals with special skills, especially those on intra-company transfer visas have been given a green light to apply for an extension of their visas by another two years.

He added that the move is designed to contribute to an environment in which economic growth is promoted through the employment of needed foreign labour, foreign investment is facilitated and that the entry of exceptionally skilled or qualified people is enabled.