Media Statement

19 September 2021

South Africa to intensify efforts to get off the UK’s Red List

The Government of South Africa is puzzled at the United Kingdom’s (UK) decision to keep South Africa on the Red List of countries facing stringent restrictions and high costs when entering the UK.

Thousands of families and business people in South Africa and the UK are shocked at this continued exclusion, especially given South Africa’s progress in combating the COVID-19 pandemic as evidenced by the rapid declining infection rates due to robust vaccination programme and excellent science.

Commenting on the decision to keep South Africa on the Red List, Minister Naledi Pandor said, “We firmly believe there is no reasonable basis for keeping South Africa on the Red List and I am very disappointed.”

Minister Pandor said her department working with other stakeholders will intensify efforts to have South Africa removed from the list and is optimistic that the Government of the UK will finally realise that their decision is not harming just the tourism industry but other businesses from both countries.

Enquiries: Mr Clayson Monyela, Spokesperson for DIRCO, 082 884 5974

ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION

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