CONVERSION TO SOUTH AFRICAN LICENCE
The holder of a valid foreign driving licence or international driving permit as described above may at any time, during the one year of validity thereof after the person obtained permanent residence, apply for a RSA driving licence in substitution of his/her foreign driving licence or international driving permit. However, in the case of the holder of a diplomatic permit, the person may apply for such a substitution even if the person does not have permanent residence. The question is also raised whether contract workers and visitors can be regarded as permanently resident in the RSA. If contract workers and visitors do not comply with the aforementioned conditions, regardless of the length of their stay in the RSA, they are not permanently resident in the RSA and hence may not convert their foreign licence.
Therefore, once permanent residency has been obtained, holders of a foreign licence (or IDP) have one year in which to convert their foreign driving licence to a RSA licence after which failure to convert will render the licence invalid to convert or to drive with.
A person in possession of a foreign licence may convert their foreign driving licence at the appropriate Driving Licence Testing Centre where residency was obtained, in the RSA.
The driving licence testing centre concerned shall authorize the issue and issue the driving licence in the prescribed manner, when
• it is satisfied that the applicant is the holder of the foreign driving licence;
• it is

satisfied that the foreign driving licence is still valid in the country or territory of issue; and
• in the case of an application for the exchange of a driving licence obtained in the Republic of Bophuthatswana, the Republic of Ciskei, Gazankulu, KaNgwane, KwaNdebele, KwaZulu, Lebowa, QwaQwa, the Republic of Transkei or the Republic of Venda, if the MEC concerned confirms in writing that the applicant is the holder of a valid licence.
Persons in possession of a foreign driving licence, who wish to convert, will require the following:
1.1 Identification document and a certified copy thereof;
1.2 4 photographs;
1.3 Current foreign driving licence;
1.4 Proof of permanent residency in the RSA;
1.5 Proof that he/she was not permanently or ordinarily resident in the RSA at the time the said licence or permit was issued (for example a passport, permanent residence permit or visa);
1.6 A letter of translation of the licence by a competent authority if the licence is not in one of the official languages of the RSA;
1.7 Confirmation from a Driving Licence Issuing Authority that the person is in possession of a valid driving licence (stating the codes and relevant categories of vehicles that the person is permitted to drive), that has not been cancelled or suspended;
1.8 In the case of a IDP, the driving licence on the authority of which such permit was issued; and
1.9 An appropriate card fee. V.4882

The extensions will help address a backlog of applications. One of the first acts of new Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber has been to give visa applicants a reprieve. Schreiber extended the temporary concession for foreigners awaiting the outcome of their visa, waiver and appeal applications. Home Affairs claims the move is aimed at addressing a backlog of applications and not prejudicing the applicants due to the expected delays. Protection for lawful contributors to SA V.5616
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Joel Sihle Ngubane of the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party and a member of the portfolio committee on Home Affairs have called on the department to prioritise local skills before issuing critical skills visas to foreigners. V.5617
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The White Paper on Citizenship, Immigration and Refugee Protection proposes a raft of legislative reforms. • One is that the period a foreign national resides in the country won`t be the main considering factor for granting permanent residency. • The Department of Home Affairs is looking to introduce a points-based system for foreign nationals to apply for residency. V.5618
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Here are the latest adjustments to 2024 car licence renewal fees in South Africa, as the department continues with stringent reforms … The new Transport Minister is taking the department to task over 2024 car licence renewal fees. However, motorists are reminded that when it comes to how much licence renewal will cost outright, it still varies from province to province. V.5614
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The news: South Africa’s Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber has announced the government’s plan to digitise the department, eliminating the need for in-person visits. The government expects this online system to reduce, if not eliminate, in-person visits by transforming the current paper-based processes into an automated platform, allowing South Africans to access services like ID applications, passport renewals, and visas remotely. V.5615
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Germany`s Chancellor Olaf Scholz (R) and Kenya`s President William Ruto signed the deal in Berlin Germany has agreed to open the doors to 250,000 skilled and semi-skilled Kenyan workers in a controlled and targeted labour migration deal. Kenya is struggling with increasing difficulties in providing work and sufficient income for its young professionals, while Germany is facing a shortage of skilled labour. V.5609
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BEIJING - China said it would gradually raise its statutory retirement age, as the country grapples with a looming demographic crisis and an older population. Hundreds of millions of people in China are set to enter old age in the coming decades while the birth rate dwindles dramatically. V.5610
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A surprise inspection at a Pretoria restaurant resulted in the arrest of two foreign national employees who allegedly did not have documentation to be in the country. (Alex Mitchley/News24) • The Department of Labour has conducted a `blitz` inspection at a restaurant in Menlyn. • The surprise inspection came after a complaint alleging the flouting of labour practices by a former employee that started making the rounds on social media. • One of the restaurant owners dismissed the allegations. V.5611
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The Western Cape High Court has temporarily stopped the initiation of any process to deport a foreign national who has indicated an intent to apply for asylum, until their application has been finalised. • The Western Cape High Court has temporarily halted the initiation of any process to deport a foreign national who has indicated an intent to apply for asylum, until their application has been finalised. • The interim interdict will remain in place pending the outcome of the main court application brought by the Scalabrini Centre of Cape Town. • The court is expected to hear that main challenge in February 2025. V.5612
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South Africa’s plan to attract more professionals to its skills-starved economy through the introduction of a so-called nomad visa for remote workers has been slowed by the need to amend tax regulations. The impediment comes after an initial delay when changes to the visa regime had to be temporarily withdrawn because mandatory public consultation procedures hadn’t been followed. V.5613
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