23 November 2004
The Department of Health has received requests from at least 17 doctors who are Cuban nationals requesting the Department to endorse their applications for permanent residence in South Africa.
These doctors are requesting certificates confirming that they are employed by Provincial Departments of Health for a period of five years and above, and therefore qualify to apply for a permanent residence.
The Department is considering these requests in line with the Immigration Act which allows for foreign nationals who have been in South Africa for a minimum of five years on valid work permit to apply for permanent residence.
The Department has to ensure that each application is considered in its own merit and such consideration takes time. However, the Department is doing its best to finalise these cases as soon as possible.
A total of 638 Cuban doctors plus 40 lecturers worked in South Africa as part of our government-to-government agreement.
Issued by Department of Health
Contact: Sibani Mngadi on 082 772 0161