SPOUSAL PERMITS, LIFE PARTNER PERMITS

The Cape High Court has decreed that the Department of Home Affairs may not refuse to issue work permits to foreign-born spouses of South African citizens unless they have a very good reason. The court also said it is unconstitutional to make applicants apply for a work permit from outside the country.

Further good news for the life partners of South African citizens, who are moving to South Africa to join their partners, is the 'life partner permit'.

Life partner permits enable couples in a permanent relationship to be able to apply for a permit along the lines of a spousal permit. The supporting documentation made with the application must demonstrate clearly that the couple is in a permanent relationship.

Life partner permits can be applied for by same sex and heterosexual couples.

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