Steps to follow
Assistance for South Africans abroad:
For assistance when abroad contact the nearest South African Diplomatic and Consular Representative or the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, 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.
What services can South African nationals expect from Consular Officers?
In emergencies:
- Assistance in evacuation planning of South African nationals abroad in cases of political turmoil, natural or manmade disasters. The nature of the event (e.g. a nuclear disaster) and considerations of safety could influence the ability to respond. (Note that evacuation from a location abroad is not a right that can be claimed from the State.)
- In the event of an emergency, communicate on behalf of South African nationals abroad with family and/or friends in South Africa.
- Provide non-financial assistance for repatriation and urgently needed medical or professional attention.
- Liaise with the local authorities to search for missing persons and/or determine the whereabouts of South African nationals abroad.
- Assist families under certain circumstances by facilitating the transfer of funds to family members in distress abroad.
- Provide support services and advice in cases of hostage taking, kidnapping or abduction.
Legal and notary:
- Facilitate the serving of legal summons on defendants abroad.
- Convey requests for extradition, rogatory letters and evidence on commission between states.
- Authenticate public documents for use between states.
- Provide non-financial assistance to victims of crime.
- Provide advice, guidance and support to the custodial parent/guardian, in collaboration with the Office of the Family Advocate where indicated, 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.
- Provide a list of local lawyers and/or detail of local Law Commissions. (The Department of International Relations and Cooperation cannot vouch for the competence of any lawyer and does not accept responsibility or liability for information provided in good faith.)
- Provide a list of local translators. (The Department of International Relations and Cooperation cannot vouch for the competence of the translator(s) provided).
Other services:
- Assist to replace lost, stolen, damaged or expired passports abroad (fees apply).
- Under certain circumstances provide an emergency loan to a destitute citizen (subject to repayment with interest and only granted if requirements are met. This is done in consultation with the Department of Home Affairs).
- Notify next of kin in the event of death or life threatening illness or injury of a South African nationals abroad.
- Provide non-financial assistance and advice regarding the disposal of mortal remains of South Africans who died abroad.
- Request the local authorities to investigate suspicious deaths of and crimes against South African nationals.
- Provide guidance in collaboration with the Department of Social Development on matters relating to adoptions.
- Provide assistance and guidance to foreign representatives regarding their nationals in South Africa.