A specialist service provider for authorities and diplomatic missions worldwide, VFS global, has been contracted to automate and run the program process, including managing the 11 facilitation centres spread across the nine states of South Africa and also the call centre.
Foreigners in South Africa who, for example, need to extend their temporary residence visas for study or work, will have the capacity to apply online and set up an appointment before visiting the nearest facilitation centre to submit their personal biometrics (fingerprints and photos). Visa and management fees will be paid electronically.
The determination to approve or reject applications still lies with the Department of Home Affairs, although VFS Global will be responsible for processing visa applications. “We will be able to exercise complete control over the decision-making procedures to ensure that our national interests and security imperatives are served at all times,” Gigaba said.
The decision to set up the new facilitation centers and contract their running outside to a private company had been informed “by none other than our commitment to improve efficiencies and turnaround times,” he added.
