UKZN hosts Immigration Workshop

BY: .

UKZN’s International Student Office hosted an immigration workshop on the Howard College campus.

Head: International Student Office, Ms Nombuso Mtshali, said the workshop allowed those who interact closely with international students to review procedures to ensure best practices for the future. ‘We need to find a way to make life easier for international students while complying with the Immigration Act,’ said Mtshali.

Attended by staff from universities around the province, the workshop was addressed by the Director of Corporate Accounts at the national Department of Home Affairs, Mr Phindiwe Mbhele, who discussed immigration challenges, study visa requirements and asylum and refugee seekers.

Mbhele emphasised police clearance as a prescribed requirement for a study visa and stressed the importance of Immigration Act compliance.

With medical aid compulsory for international students, Sanlam Regional Manager, Ms Debbie Pretorius; Momentum’s Head: Student Segment Sales and Marketing Ms Rikki Erasmus, and CompCare’s KwaZulu-Natal Regional Manager, Mr Retail Lucas; were on hand to outline the services offered by their companies.

The Head of Student Financial Services for Howard College and the Medical School campus, Ms Indira Govender, explained the importance of the student portal which has a wealth of information to streamline payments for students. Govender encouraged students to use the correct references (codes or student numbers) when filling in forms or making payments.

Head of Applications at UKZN, Ms Sarah Njapha outlined the application process, advising students to adhere to closing dates and to apply via the correct channel.

Njapha said the Central Applications Office processes applications for local students, and advised international students to apply via the UKZN website, Online Web application - (Click here to apply).

Words and photographs: Raylene Captain-Hasthibeer