No stowaways will be permitted to be landed in South African ports, according to a new sharpened policy from the immigration authority.

As per information received from our correspondent in South Africa, Mike Heads at P&I Associates (Pty) Ltd, the South African Immigration Authority has radically changed its policy when it comes to land stowaways in South African ports. As of immediate effect, no stowaway will be permitted to be landed in South Africa. Any person declared as a stowaway will have to sail with the vessel and be removed on route or at the next port of call outside South Africa.

Vessels calling on South African ports are urged to carefully comply with their ISPS procedures. Proper security arrangements must be in place to prevent any unlawful person to board the vessel. No person should be permitted access to the vessel, unless that person holds a TNPA (Transnet National Port’s Authority) port permit.

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