asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement concerning the no-visa arrangement between the State and South Africa; and whether he would recommend that this visa-free travel arrangement with the South African regime should be terminated in accordance with United Nations demands.
Written Answers. - Visa Requirements.
560.
There is currently no visa requirements between Ireland and South Africa. The question of introducing such a requirement is a matter for the Minister for Justice.
In general, international practice is that such visa arrangements are reciprocal. It is to be expected therefore that were Ireland to introduce a visa requirement South Africa would do likewise. My Department have been studying the implications of a change in policy given this likelihood. This would affect not only Irish nationals living in South Africa and retaining Irish passports but also Irish nationals visiting or travelling in transit through South Africa, including our aid workers in Lesotho.
Once the assessment has been made of the implications of changing the present policy, I shall be in a position to make a recommendation on the matter.