A workshop on international students was hosted on the Westville campus.UKZN Hosts Immigration Workshop
With more than 2 600 international students on its campuses, UKZN takes their interests very seriously and thus hosted a workshop to better equip administrative staff to deal with immigration challenges.
Mr Phindiwe Mbhele and Mr Rishen Lalla of Visa Facilitation Services (VFS) Global - the administrative arm of the Department of Home Affairs - were on hand to answer questions from staff and international students.
Mbhele highlighted amendments to the Immigration Act, with particular emphasis on areas relevant to students.
He looked at medical aid for international students, part-time work and acceptance letters issued by the University. ‘Acceptance letters must state the duration of the course,’ said Mbhele, who also spoke about abridged certificates for students below 18 years of age and police clearance certificates.
Lalla outlined the application process for student visas and stressed the importance of submitting all necessary documents. He assured international students that the process was ‘streamlined and safe’.
Ms Tasmeera Singh, Acting Manager of UKZN’s International Relations Unit, said the University was committed to improving the experience for international students.
Singh thanked the presenters and UKZN staff and students for attending the workshop.
For more information, visit the International Office’s website: http://ukzninternational.ukzn.ac.za/registration.aspx
Raylene Captain-Hasthibeer