South Africa’s neighbouring countries have breathed a “cautious” sigh of relief as the Department of Home Affairs has revealed that no supporting documents – including an unabridged birth certificate – will be needed for travellers under 18, who are in direct international transit, passing through SA’s international airports.

This was stipulated in the Special Operating Procedures that the DHA released this week regarding the new immigration regulations, which come into effect in 10 days.

Neighbouring countries have been bracing for the impact that the new South African immigration regulations for minors could have on their tourism industries, as South Africa is an important feeder hub into the SADC region.

“Up to this point, we were advising our clients to ensure they have the supporting documents even if they were only in transit through South Africa,” says Aulden Harlech-Jones, owner of the Cardboard Box Travel Shop in Namibia.

Harlech-Jones says the news will have a positive impact on Namibia. “While currently many of our clients combine a few days in the Western Cape with their Namibian trip, I can see this option becoming less attractive for those with children. We can take advantage of the situation and persuade those who want to avoid the hassle of arranging children’s supporting documents to spend additional time in Namibia or other neighbouring countries.”

Emmanuel Fundira, Group CE of Astoc Leisure Group in Zimbabwe, says relief about the absence of the need for added documentation for passengers in transit is only “partial”. “South Africa does not only co-market Zimbabwe products, but is also the lifeline hub and feeder of travellers into Zimbabwe and the region.”

The South African government will still need to address this “draconian” measure, Fundira says. “The way forward is for the South African Minister to rescind the decision in favour of further consultations and an adequate assessment of the impact of the regulations. In tandem, the regional ministers should hold a meeting and come up with a rescue plan.”

David Frost, Satsa CEO, says the new regulations will wipe out 20 years of investment efforts in the tourism industry. The top five European markets and the US market contribute to about 45% of arrivals. A 10% drop from those markets, which could be foreseen as a result of the new regulations, would have a huge impact, he says.

The new regulations will have a far-reaching impact on regional tourism, Frost says. There are hundreds of thousands of travellers crossing the borders from neighbouring countries, who don’t have the means to obtain the necessary documentation. “Are we just going to close our borders to all these travellers? That’s folly,” he says.

Despite numerous initiatives behind the scenes from the tourism industry, the Minister of Home Affairs has been impervious to any dialogue, Frost says. The arguments presented by the DHA are built on dogma and don’t take into consideration best practice, he says. “In any functioning democracy, this is a travesty.”