Despite South Africa passing their first Citizenship Act no. 88 of 1995, it was discovered in 2010 that the Act made no provisions for children born to foreign parents in South Africa. Even though the Citizenship Act of South Africa was amended in 2010, it came only into operation in 1 January 2013.
What happens if a foreigner gives birth in South Africa?
Children born to foreign parents in South Africa without a valid visa are not legally in SA and will not be able to go to school. … The good news is that you can legalise your child’s stay in South Africa – but you must not delay any longer than necessary to do this.
Can a foreigner get a birth certificate in South Africa?
There is no exclusion or separate requirements for foreign birth registrations. Supporting documents must be attached to an application as prescribed in the Births and Deaths Registration Act. Only complete applications with required supporting documents will be accepted and processed for Foreign Birth Registration.
Is a child born in South Africa automatically a citizen?
You automatically qualify for South African citizenship if: you are born in South Africa and at least one of your parents is a South African citizen or a SA permanent residency permit holder. if you are adopted by a South African citizen.
How long does a foreign birth registration take in South Africa?
This application is free of charge and on receipt thereof it will be referred to the Department of Home Affairs in South Africa for processing. This process can take up to 12 – 16 weeks, after which an application for SA passport may be submitted.
Can a foreigner apply for citizenship in South Africa?
Citizenship by naturalisation
You can apply for South African citizenship through naturalisation if you have held a permanent residence permit for at least 5 years if you have married a South African, or you are a minor under 21 years with a permanent residence.
Can I get citizenship through my child in South Africa?
The basic principle of the South African citizenship is that a child follows the citizenship or nationality of his or her parents. If one parent is a South African citizen, the child will be a citizen by birth. … Children born of permanent residents follow their parents’ status. We do not separate children from parents.
Does Home Affairs open during lockdown?
Home Affairs offices will continue opening Monday to Friday, from 08:00 to 15:30. We are extending our operating hours to 19:00 to accommodate people who need to register deaths and births up to 15 February 2021. … Nobody will be allowed to enter any Home Affairs office without a mask.
How much does a birth certificate cost in South Africa?
The application fee is R 75.00. The documents you will need include: The Identity Documents of the parents and the child’s ID number. All documents need to be original or certified copies.
What is the fastest way to get a birth certificate in South Africa?
Getting copies of birth certificates
- complete Form BI–154 and submit it to the nearest office of the Department of Home Affairs if you are in South Africa, or the nearest South African embassy, mission or consulate if you are overseas.
- pay the required fee for the application.
Who is the number one citizen of South Africa?
Mandela: The world’s number one citizen.
What does SA by birth mean?
The following persons are South African citizens by birth: Persons born in South Africa before October 6, 1995. Persons born in or out of wedlock on or after October 6, 1995 if one of his or her parents is either a South African citizen or a permanent resident.
Can a permanent resident get a South African passport?
As a permanent resident, you have most of the rights and responsibilities of a South African citizen. You will not be able to obtain a South African passport nor be able to vote in South African government elections. … After receiving your permanent residence certificate, you are obliged to apply for a SA Identity Card.
How do I register a foreign birth in South Africa?
REQUIREMENTS:
- Application form Notice of Birth (DHA 24)
- DHA 529 (applicant, parents duly fully completed)
- Full birth certificate of the applicant.
- Front office Verify birth certificate of the applicant’s age from 15years and above with the country of origin (embassy)
What is the difference between an abridged and unabridged birth certificate?
Abridged birth certificates merely indicate the name and surname of a child’s mother. Unabridged birth certificates include the details of both the mother and the father.
How do I register my baby in South Africa?
You must register the birth of your child within 30 days after birth. The birth can be registered by a parent, guardian or any other person legally responsible for the child at an office of the Department of Home Affairs. If you are overseas, the birth can be registered at your nearest embassy or mission.