There have been reports of foreign permanent residents who have been denied entry into SA due to being nationals from countries whose citizens are currently banned from entering. This has caused considerable consternation and uncertainty about the rights of foreign permanent residents and other visa holders’ rights to enter SA.

In terms of the Immigration Act, certain foreign nationals can be prevented from entering SA if they are “infected with or carrying infectious, communicable or other diseases or viruses as prescribed”. Covid-19 is such a coronavirus-based disease...