The Department of Home Affairs says it is still awaiting feedback on an application to deploy additional staff to immigration terminals at international airports to process foreign tourists. New immigration regulations, confusion over the requirements for abridged birth certificates and new biometric systems introduced to record passenger details have led to long delays at airports. The department does not have enough staff for all the immigration counters at OR Tambo International Airport, and tourism providers and airport management are scrambling to put in place mitigating measures for the busy festive season. Many companies are hoping for a boost following a disappointing third quarter. GDP figures released by Statistics SA on Tuesday show that trade, catering and accommodation — which includes tourism — contracted 2.1% during the third quarter from 1.4% in the second quarter. "Normally the fourth quarter will always be stronger [for tourism]. The other thing that played a part ...
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