Government will address concerns about new visa regulations in a methodical, rational and balanced manner, Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa said in Parliament today, Wednesday 12 August 2015.

Deputy President Ramaphosa was replying to a question in the National Assembly on the consequences of the implementation of the new regulations.

Deputy President Ramaphosa briefed MPs on the establishment by President Jacob Zuma of an Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) to examine and remedy any potential unintended consequences resulting from the implementation of the immigration regulations.

“As a country, we cannot compromise on our sovereignty or our security. Nor can we ignore the economic and social effects of any measures we adopt,” he said.

He said the IMC therefore needs to examine all available evidence on the impact of the introduction of these new regulations and take steps to mitigate any negative consequences. 

“It should be noted that alongside the implementation of the new regulations, government is introducing several measures to improve the efficiency, security and accessibility of our immigration processes,” said Deputy President Ramaphosa.