SA CITIZENS ARRESTED DAILY IN CHINA OVER VISA ISSUES, SAYS DIRCO OFFICIAL

South Africa

The government of South Africa says it’s citizens are getting arrested in China on a daily basis.

This is as a result of an East London teenager, Tristan Lee Niemand who was released following her arrest for visa violations last month.

The 19 year old  as well as 14 other South Africans will be deported back to South Africa before Christmas.

The Department of International Relations and Co-operation’s Ndivhuwo Mabaya says: “It happens every day. As I’m speaking to you now, I’m sure there’s somebody on the plane going to China to be detained.

“It happens mainly because a lot of young people who have done teaching or other subjects are finding opportunities there because with the Chinese expanding the whole continent and other places, they need English and South African English is very good.”

Charl Venter, whose son was also detained in China 6 months ago, along with 50 others, says he’s assisted the Niemand family.

“We’re very happy that it actually happened prior to Christmas so that at least the kids can spend some Christmas time at home.

“But it’s just more of pressure time for people to know that this is not the time to take the gaps to try and go over to China without proper paperwork.”

Venter hopes to accompany International Relations and Cooperation Minister Lindiwe Sisulu when she meets her Chinese counterpart to discuss this issue.

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