Answers to your questions

Have a question you would like answered? Email us and we may answer it. The questions here are based on ones from our readers, with identifying information removed.

Can a person apply for a disability grant and claim from UIF at the same time?

You can receive UIF and a disability or maintenance grant at the same time, but not any other type of grant

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Can I apply for a relative visa for my life partner of 15 years?

You can apply for a Section 26 (B) Life Partner Permit, which is a permanent resident permit that caters for people who are in a long term relationship, but who have not married, as in your case.

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How do I get a critical skills visa?

You need to apply online for a critical skills visa through VFS Global, the company that handles all Home Affairs applications.

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How can I can assist my partner change his status from asylum seeker to temporary or permanent resident? Home Affairs ignores us.

Your frustration with Home Affairs is understandable. You may want to get legal assistance.

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Can a person go to prison for jumping the border?

You can be sentenced to up to 12 months in prison for entering the country illegally.

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How do I change my status from asylum seeker to resident?

A person applying for temporary residence has to apply from outside of the country, but you can get an exemption from this by applying to Home Affairs through VFS Global..

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Can I buy a plot of land from the municipality?

As far as we can establish, municipal land is only sold by a tender process after it is advertised for public participation.

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Can I apply for an affordable flat in the new building in Sea Point?

The block of flats (which will be called “The Fulcrum”) has not yet been built.

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Can my sister, who waited ten years for a house, be rejected from getting one because she has since got married?

Marriage does not disqualify her from getting an RDP house, unless her husband’s income is above R3,500 a month.

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What can I do to stop my former landlord giving bad references about me to agents?

You can approach the Housing Tribunal and ask that your former landlord be stopped from giving bad references.

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