Issued by the South African Chamber of Commerce in the USA (SACCUSA)
Date: 17 July 2025
The South African Chamber of Commerce in the USA (SACCUSA) has formally addressed Minister of Home Affairs, Dr Leon Schreiber, to express deep concern over the current application of Section 26B(1) of the South African Citizenship Act. This provision requires all South African citizens—whether by birth or naturalisation—to enter and exit the country exclusively on a valid South African passport. While SACCUSA fully recognises the Department of Home Affairs’ legal mandate, the abrupt enforcement of this rule has caused significant disruption, uncertainty, and hardship for South African citizens residing in the United States.
Many affected individuals are dual nationals or long-term residents in the U.S. who were unaware of the stringent enforcement measures now being applied at South African border control. SACCUSA has received reports from community members who faced detention, ticket cancellation, and substantial financial penalties due to passport issues. These situations are exacerbated by the extended processing timelines through U.S. consular channels—reportedly up to nine months—making it nearly impossible for law-abiding citizens to comply within the current timeframe.
In its letter to Minister Schreiber, SACCUSA has requested a one-year exemption period during which penalties under Section 26B(1) would be temporarily suspended for South Africans in the U.S. This proposal aims to provide citizens the necessary time to obtain or renew South African passports or, if they so choose, to complete the formal renunciation process. Such a grace period would respect the underlying law while acknowledging practical challenges and supporting orderly compliance.
Rather than undermining the Citizenship Act, an exemption balances legal integrity with human realities, reduces consular case pressure, and protects the dignity and travel rights of South Africans abroad. SACCUSA remains ready to assist with cooperation efforts and anticipates a positive response from Minister Schreiber.
For further updates and to read the full letter submitted to Minister Schreiber, please visit www.sachamberusa.com.
Issued by:
Mr. Neil Diamond
President
South African Chamber of Commerce in the USA (SACCUSA)
✉️ info@saccusa.com | 🌐 www.sachamberusa.com