Moroke Sekoboto
PRIME Minister Sam Matekane has thanked South Africa for granting Basotho a significant extension of their visa-free stay in that country from 30 to 90 days.
A visibly elated Mr Matekane thanked South Africa in a televised address on Friday. The extension had long been promised by South Africa but had not materialised until Lesotho pushed for it at last month’s second leg of the Bi-National Commission (BNC) between Lesotho and South Africa.
Basotho frequently cross the border into South Africa for various reasons, including employment, medical treatment, and family engagements. But they faced challenges due to the restrictive 30-day limit period that has been in existence for long.
This prompted many Basotho to overstay their visas, often resulting in their passports being confiscated or destroyed by South African immigration officials. Additionally, many faced the distressing reality of detention pending repatriation.
“The acceptance of our request is a significant step forward in strengthening the relationship between our two countries,” Mr Matekane said.
“Both governments have emphasized the importance of adhering to immigration laws and preventing illegal immigration. I trust that this agreement will encourage responsible travel and enhance our people-to-people connections.”
The newly minted agreement not only extends the duration of visa-free entry but also includes provisions for study permits. This means that Basotho students will be able to enrol in South African educational institutions without needing additional documentation, paving the way for improved educational opportunities for young people in Lesotho.
“The extended visa duration provides flexibility for Basotho, while the study permit provisions enhance educational exchanges that can benefit both countries in the long run,” Mr Matekane said
Premier Matekane confirmed that Basotho travellers were already receiving the new 90-day entry stamps at the border posts, signalling the commencement of this collaborative initiative.
However, Mr Matekane urged caution and responsibility among citizens and government officials alike.
“I call on all Basotho to make the most of this opportunity while being mindful of the regulations that accompany it,” he said.
“It is imperative that officials in the Ministry of Home Affairs work diligently to issue passports correctly and avoid any compromises that might jeopardize this agreement. The integrity of our immigration processes is crucial.”
Additionally, the Prime Minister highlighted other significant outcomes from the BNC discussions, including a commitment to advancing a new migration model to facilitate the movement of people and goods, joint police operations to combat cross-border crime, and support from South Africa in decentralizing local governance in Lesotho.
Mr Matekane said the new visa agreement represented not just an administrative change, but a vital step towards deeper cooperation and mutual respect between Lesotho and South Africa.
“This agreement is intended to benefit Basotho, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure that it succeeds.”
South Africa’s Minister of Home Affairs, Leon Schreiber, has since issued a stern warning against any misuse of this exemption.
“The condition attached to the visa exemption extension is that the Government of South Africa reserves the right to immediately revoke the 90-day arrangement and revert to 30 days, should it be found that third-country nationals are abusing it to enter South Africa illegally through Lesotho. The onus is, therefore, on the Government of Lesotho to prevent such abuse in order to uphold the 90-day arrangement,” Mr Schreiber has warned.