27 Mar 2019

Parents and guardians of minors have been encouraged to carry the required documents to avoid confusion when they travel to other country.  

This was said by immigration officer, Ms Gracious Farmer after a seminar organised to sensitise parents and guardians about documents required when crossing borders with children. 

She said when travelling with a child aged below 18 years, parents should carry the child’s birth certificate, reflecting the names of both parents. 

She said if one parent travels with the child, the other parent has to make an affidavit at any commission of oath office, stating that they give permission to the other parent to leave the country with the child and will return with them on an agreed date. 

For divorced parents, Ms Farmer indicated that the one in custody of children should carry a court order or divorce certificate, certified copy of national identity card and affidavit.  

When guardians, not biological parents, are with the child, they should show death certificates of the deceased parents and the child’s birth certificate as well as evidence from the kgosi or commissioner of oaths. 

In regards to adopted children, she said parents should carry the adoption certificate written the name of the adoption organisation and swear with an affidavit to return with the children. 

She said the immigration department had experienced challenges where either one of the parents on the birth certificate did not want the other to be involved when applying for the child’s passport because of family conflicts and this impacts negatively on the child. 

Ms Farmer encouraged parents and guardians to report such situations to the kgosi and high court, especially for those who want to make changes on their children’s birth certificates and apply for their children’s passports. 

Meanwhile, Sergeant Lesego Rapaeye noted that parents had the responsibility to ensure that children had all the basic needs and the right to health. 

She revealed that failure to provide these necessities, or to comply with court orders if directed by court to pay child maintenance, are offences punishable by law. 

Ms Rapaeye expressed concern about sexual abuse of children, which include rape and incest, noting that such should be reported within 72 hours.  

She said parents should ensure the safety of their children and also report all cases of abuse.. ends