Cape Town - Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi has given South Africans who work and study abroad the greenlight to return to the countries where they are based.
Motsoaledi, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation and the National Coronavirus Command Council, approved essential travel for South Africans who want to return to countries where they are based.
"South Africans who wish to leave the Republic are permitted to depart only for the following reasons: work, study, family reunion, take up permanent residency and receive medical attention," Home Affairs said in a statement
South Africa has implemented travel restrictions as part of the measures put in place to fight the spread of Covid-19.
But, travel between countries is allowed in special circumstances.
The department said those wishing to return to the countries where they reside should have the following:
(a) A copy of their valid South African passport
(b) A letter confirming their admissibility under the current circumstances from the embassy or other diplomatic/consular representative of the country they want to travel to. If returning by road or connecting via flights, the proof submitted needs to include permission from each transiting country.
(c) Proof of means of travel such as air or bus tickets and the intended date of departure.
"South Africans who fall in these categories and satisfy the criteria can send an email to [email protected]."
The department said an email would be sent to travellers who meet the criteria to enable them to proceed with their travel arrangements.
"People applying as a group can send one email with the supporting documents for each member of the group."
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** If you think you have been exposed to the Covid-19 virus, please call the 24-hour hotline on 0800 029 999 or visit sacoronavirus.co.za