Spotlight shouldn't just be on visas - Fin24 user

Fin24 user Sarah says South Africa's new visa regulations are 'ludicrous' and won't even achieve the object of stopping child trafficking.

Sarah has two adopted South African children and writes that it has taken three years just to get an abridged birth certificate for the youngest child.

She continues that "we have already waited 8 months for the unabridged one". The family is unable to travel overseas, even though they have planned a trip for this year.

"I am British and friends of mine with young children decided not to come here as the process was too complicated," says Sarah. "This system is ludicrous and will not resolve the issue of trafficking children.

"If South Africa wants to do something practical about child trafficking it needs to look at the problem properly and not mask it by implementing unworkable processes that affect normal travellers and the tourism industry," concludes Sarah.

These sentiments are echoed by Fin24 user Charlie, who says she wishes equally stringent measure‎s could be introduced on other important issues such as employment and crime.

"I had planned to take my kids on holiday during the October school break and unfortunately I had to cancel due to outstanding unabridged birth certificates," writes Charlie.

"I wish such stringent  measure‎s were introduced on other matters of importance, i.e. employment, crime, etc. It's quite sad."