The Civic, Consular and Immigration Section’s contact details are as follow

MONDAY - 08:30 TO 12:00

• Permit / Visa Applications
• Collection of documentation received from DHA

TUESDAY – 08:30 TO 12:00

• Commissioner of Oath – (1) Affidavits (2) Certifications of True Copies of Original South African Documentation (3) Legal Documentation to be used in South Africa (4) MoE Equivalency (5) Parental Travel Consents
• Police Clearance Certificates (fingerprints)
• Collection of documentation received from DHA

WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY – 08:30 TO 12:00

Department of Home Affairs (1) IDs (2) Letters of No-Impediments (3) Passports (4) Unabridged Birth Certificates (5) Unabridged Marriage Certificates

Commissioner of Oath

TUESDAY - 08:30 TO 12:00


This service is free of charge.

Documentation required : Original and Copies of SA Passports, SA ID’s, UAE ID’s, UAE Residency Visas, Marriage Certificates should be submitted together with the documentation to be signed – documentation may NOT be signed and dated prior to the appointment and must be completed in BLACK INK.

Certificate of Authentication

The Embassy may only authenticate the signatures of the authorized officials in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the United Arab Emirates to validate documents for use in South Africa. This service only applies to documents issued in the UAE to be LEGALLY USED IN SOUTH AFRICA. This service is free of charge.

Attestation Services – South African documents to be used abroad

Click here for more information

Certification of Copies

TUESDAY - 08:30 TO 12:00

Only ORIGINAL South African documentation may be presented to be certified (bring own copies together with the original documentation). This service is free of charge.

Civic Matters

WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY – 08:30 TO 12:00

The Embassy resides under the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) and only facilitates applications for submission for the Department of Home Affairs (DHA). The Embassy does not have any jurisdiction over the processing of Birth Certificates, ID’s, Letters of Non-Impediment, Marriage Certificates, Passports which falls under the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) and cannot interfere in the processes governing the rules and regulations of the Department of Home Affairs (DHA).

• Registration of Foreign Birth
• Application of Unabridged Birth Certificate
• Application for Identity Document (green ID book). Note : Smart-Card Identity Documents only applied for and issued at DHA in South Africa.
• Application for “ Letter of No Impediment” (marital status)
• Registration of Marriage
• Application for Passport (normal and maxi)

The relevant application forms to be completed, list of required supporting documentation and fees to be paid (cash only) are available at the Embassy

Application Forms

End User Certificates (to be used in South Africa)

TUESDAY – 08:30 TO 12:00

The relevant documentation should be delivered to the Embassy with a cover letter requesting the service and may be collected the following day.

Equivalency of Education Documentation

TUESDAY – 08:30 TO 12:00

The relevant documentation should be delivered to the Embassy with a cover letter requesting the service and may be collected the following day.
Steps to be followed :

• Applicant plicant to contact each South African Educational Institution where a degree was obtained and is required to be included in the relevant process to the UAE Ministry of Education eg UCT, US, UP - the relevant University has to provide a letter stating the student’s full names, student number, details of Degree obtained, date started and date graduated as well as the subjects completed as well as confirmed that studies were completed for the relevant degree within the said period.  The University’s Authentication / Verification Report should be forwarded from the University DIRECTLY to the Embassy at consular.abudhabi@dirco.gov.za.
• Applicant to contact Managed Integrity Evaluation (MIE) and request a "Personal Credential Verification Report" - this should also be forwarded from MIE DIRECTLY to the Embassy at consular.abudhabi@dirco.gov.za. Contact Details : MIE - Background Screening - www.mie.co.za - Jean Park Chambers, Unit 2 First Floor, 252 Jean Avenue, Lyttleton, Centurion, Pretoria, Tel : + 27 (012) 6444000, E-Mail: info@mie.co.za (fees to be paid by the applicant.
• Once the Embassy received the relevant documentation from the various Educational Institutions, the applicant should submit the ORIGINAL AND COPIES of the relevant Degrees together with ORIGINAL AND COPIES of SA Passport, SA ID, UAE ID, UAE Residency Visa. The Embassy will issue the required certificate to the UAE Ministry of Education which the Embassy will email to the UAE Ministry of Education on the applicant’s behalf.

According to GN R1872 published in GG7215 of 12 September 1980, officers of the Department of Foreign Affairs posted to serve abroad are authorised to perform the functions of a Commissioner of Oaths. GN R1872 provides amongst other things that the persons authorised to perform Commissioner of Oaths function are the “head of a South African diplomatic or consular mission; any office in the Administrative or Professional Division of the Public Service, provided that the holder of such office is an officer as defined in section 1 of the Public Services Act, 1957 (Act No 54 of 1957)”. South African officials posted aboard who act as Commissioner of Oaths are officials of the Public Service as defined in section 1 and are therefore authorised, in terms of Government Notice GN R1872 to act as Commissioner of Oaths.

PPOWERS REGARDING OATHS OUTSIDE THE REPUBLIC under section 8 (1) (a) as published in the JUTA Law under GN R 1872 in GG 7215 of 12 September 1980 as amended by GN R 2828 in GG 9018 of 30 December 1983 and GN R 527 in GG 9621 of 15 March 1985:

{Therefore, irrespective of the contents of the documentation, ONLY the Commissioner of Oath from the South African Embassy may sign documentation outside South African borders.}

By virtue of the powers in me by section 8 (1) (a) of the Justices of the Peace and Commissioners of Oath Act, 1963, I Alwyn Louis Schlebusch, Minister of Justice, hereby declare that the holder of any office mentioned in the Schedule hereto, in any country outside the republic, shall in the country in which or at the place at which he holds such office, have the powers conferred upon a commissioner of oaths by section 7 of the said Act. Government Notice R 1717 of 29 September 1972 is hereby withdrawn. A L SCHLEBUSCH, Minister of Justice.

SCHEDULE

Head of a South African diplomatic or consular mission; any office in the Administrative or the Professional Division of the Public Service, provided that the holder of such office is an officer as defined in section 1 of the Public Service Act, 1957 (Act 54 of 1957); Third Secretary or Vice-Consul in a South African diplomatic or consular mission; any office, the holder of which is an officer of the Permanent Force of the South African Defence Forces; South African Honorary Consul-General, Honorary Consul, Honorary Vic e-Consul or Honorary Trade Commissioner; leader or deputy leader of the South African National Antarctic Expedition; leader or deputy leader of the South African weather station on Gough Island; controlling officer in an office of the South African Railways; Attach Technical Services) and Senior Administrative officer of the technical Services Division of the South African Embassy in Paris, France; the holder of an office of Science Counsellor or Science Consul of the South African Council for Scientific and Industrial Research; any person who exercises in a state to which independence has been granted by law a legal profession equivalent to that of an attorney, notary or conveyance in the Republic. This notice is issued with the consent of the Administrator-General for the Territory of South-West Africa and shall also apply in the territory. [Schedule amended by GN R 2828 of 30 December 1983]

Civic, Consular and Immigration Services and what the Embassy can and cannot do for South African citizens abroad

The Embassy works in close collaboration with the Chief Directorate : Consular Services of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) and the services listed are often performed through or in conjunction with DIRCO and other Government Departments in South Africa. If you need Consular assistance whilst abroad, you can contact the Civic, Consular and Immigration Section of the Embassy in Abu Dhabi directly. Alternatively you could obtain the information via DIRCO's switchboard in Pretoria at + 27 (0)12 3511000 during office hours (08:00 – 16:30). EMERGENCY Consular services are available on a 24-hour basis. For emergency services you may contact the Embassy during office hours on + 971 (2) 4473446 or + 971 (50) 4459499 after-hours. The Embassy will liaise with the Chief Directorate : Consular Services, which will be available to provide specialised guidance and assistance after hours and over weekends.

Assistance to South Africans abroad

• For assistance when abroad contact the nearest South African Representative or the Department, Chief Directorate : Consular Services in Pretoria.
• Depending on the service required a valid form of identification may be requested. If in doubt and when possible an initial telephonic enquiry may save time later.
• Consular Services are of an advisory and non-financial nature and are provided free of charge, unless otherwise specified.

IN EMERGENCIES

• Humanitarian assistance in emergencies (i.e. situations involving destitution or distress of South African nationals abroad). This includes, providing a support service in hostage cases as well as assistance rendered to South African nationals abroad in cases of political turmoil or natural disasters.
• In the event of an emergency, we communicate on behalf of South African nationals abroad with the next of kin and/or friends in South Africa.
• Logistical support and non-financial assistance for South African nationals who are in hospital abroad or who may need to be repatriated to SA for urgent medical or professional attention.
• Communication with the next-of-kin in the event of reported death or life threatening illness or injury. We also provide logistical assistance with the importation of mortal remains (including import permit applications) or burials of South African nationals abroad. We do not provide financial assistance arising from the death of a South African national abroad.
• Provide guidance to next-of-kin and liaison with relevant stakeholders in the search for missing persons abroad and/or determination of the whereabouts of South African nationals abroad under certain circumstances.
• Assistance to families under certain circumstances in facilitating the transfer of funds to family members in distress/destitute abroad where commercial means is non-existent or limited or where levels of destitution dictate. The family member in South Africa must deposit the funds at a regional office of the Department of Home Affairs.
• Advice, guidance and support to a parent/guardian in matters of child abduction. Where there is evidence that the health and safety of the child is in jeopardy, the matter is treated as an emergency.
• Abduction and kidnapping covers forcible restrictions on the freedom of movement of persons for different outcomes. All instances of kidnapping outside of South Africa should be reported to the DIRCO Operations Room immediately (+27 (0)12 3511000). We provide advice and guidance to the next of kin of affected nationals.
• Assistance and guidance to foreign representatives regarding their nationals in South Africa who need Consular assistance.

TUESDAY – 08:30 TO 12:00

The Embassy only facilitates the fingerprints – applications to be forwarded, followed-up and finalized by applicants.

How to apply for a South African Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)

• FFacilitate the service of process on defendants abroad;
• Convey requests for extradition, rotatory letters and evidence on commission between states.
• Authenticate public documents for use in different states.
• Provide advice, guidance and support to a parent/guardian, in collaboration with the Office of the Chief Family Advocate where required, in cases of abduction of South African children to foreign countries. Where there is evidence that the health and safety of the child is in jeopardy the matter is treated as an emergency.
• Since DIRCO and its Missions are not in a position to provide South African nationals with legal advice, it will be able to refer them to local institutions (e.g. law societies) to obtain information on where and how to brief local lawyers. (The Department cannot guarantee the nature and/or the quality the legal advice provided and does not accept any responsibility or liability in this respect).
• Diplomatic Missions will provide a list of local translators. (The Department cannot vouch for the competence of the translator(s) provided).
• Legal assistance in the UAE.
  
  Should you require legal assistance in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the Embassy suggests that you contact the Law Society of South Africa who may be able to recommend lawyers in the UAE who have an association with South African law firms. The contact details of the Law Society of South Africa are:
  

• Assist to replace lost, stolen, damaged or expired passports abroad and South African Identity  documents (the service is performed on behalf of the Department of Home Affairs, and prescribed fees apply);
• Request the local authorities to investigate suspicious deaths of and crimes against South African citizens;
• Provide guidance in collaboration with the Department of Social Development on matters relating to inter-country adoptions;
• Provide assistance and guidance to foreign representatives regarding their nationals in South Africa.

• IInstitute court proceedings or obtain legal advice on behalf of South African nationals locally and abroad.
• Secure a release from prison/detention;
• Intervene in court and legal proceedings (in foreign countries); to secure the release of South African nationals from prison, to secure bail or an early trail;
• Support a South African national financially whilst in prison;
• Render any form of legal advice;
• Assist with the transfer of funds to a national who is not in distress;
• Interfere in or initiate court or legal proceedings on behalf of South African citizens and body corporate;
• Request local authorities to give preferential treatment to South Africans;
• Investigate crimes or deaths;
• Return a child that has been abducted by a parent / family member.
• Obtain a criminal record check on your behalf;
• Pay for cremations, burials or the repatriation of mortal remains to
• South Africa;
• Enforce a South African custody agreement abroad or compel a country to decide a custody case;
• Pay hotel, legal, medical or any other bills;
• Pay travelling expenses;
• Undertake work done by travel agents, airlines, banks, etc.;
• Obtain accommodation, visas-, study-, work permits or work on your behalf;
• Intervene on your behalf in disputes between employer and employee;
• Store personal effects or search for lost items;
• Accept personal mail and parcels;
• Issue pensions and social security benefits;
• Formally assist dual nationals in the country of their second nationality.

MONDAY – 08:30 TO 12:00

Visa Waiver with effect from 15 August 2019 – ordinary passport holders only (Diplomatic and Official passport holders still require visas).

Citizens from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, New Zealand, State of Qatar, United Arab Emirates who wish to visit South Africa for business and holiday NOT EXCEEDING 90 (ninety) days DO NOT require port of entry visas. UAE citizens will still require completing the travel consent if children younger than 18 years do not travel with both parents and be in procession of the Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate when these countries were visited.

General Requirements for Permits and Visas

• Application Forms – application forms and requirements
• Application Forms for permits and / or visas are available at the Embassy
• Relevant Requirements for specific permits and / or visas are available at the Embassy
• INCOMPLETE applications will NOT BE accepted
• Turn-Around time for permits is ONE (01) MONTH and for visas FIVE (05) WORKING DAYS from the day that the COMPLETE application is received.
• Flight Cabin crew are required to submit original passports and yellow fever certificates together with applications and may collect passport and yellow fever certificate the following day. Original passports and yellow fever certificates should be submitted once visas are approved and may be collected the next day.

Yellow Fever Certificate and copy is required if countries within the yellow fever zone were visited (including transit purposes) during the last FIVE YEARS. Yellow Fever vaccinations should be administered 10 (ten) days before the departure date to South Africa. Countries affected : Angola, Argentina, Benin, Bolivia, Burkina Faso, Brazil, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Colombia, Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ecuador, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, French Guiana, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Kenya, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Southern Sudan, Sudan, Suriname, Togo, Trinidad & Tobago, Uganda, Venezuela.

TUESDAY – 08:30 TO 12:00