David Frost | CEO | Southern Africa Tourism Services Association (SATSA) | mail me |
The standardisation of port-of-entry visa requirements heralds positive change at Home Affairs.
We encouraged by the work being done by Minister Leon Schreiber and his team at the Department of Home Affairs (DHA). This includes the launch of the remote working visa scheme (officially gazetted on 9 October) and the new immigration directives. These changes bring welcome reforms to the country’s immigration policy.
Attracting digital nomads
There has been significant movement from the DHA in recent months, a positive shake-up was long overdue. We’ve been talking about access, visa reform and the need for streamlined, digital visa processes for years. The fact that we have a Minister committed to simplifying visa requirements and processes, especially for key source markets, is a massive win for the tourism industry – but it is just the beginning.
The new Remote Work Visa will attract ‘digital nomads’ from across the world, with extended stays benefitting the entire value chain. But even more significant is the standardisation of entry requirements for South Africa’s visitors’ visa.
In particular, we welcome the announcement that the Minister has issued a directive preventing officials from requesting additional documentation from people who are seeking tourist visas to visit South Africa.
Immigration regulations only allow staff to request a passport, bank statements, itinerary and flight details. However applicants are routinely asked for more, including minimum bank balances or letters from their employers. The directive explains that no official or embassy may require any additional documentation when processing a visa application. The additional requirements have made it very difficult for prospective tourists to visit South Africa, especially those from India and China which are two of the world’s fastest growing markets.
A game-changer
Officials working in South African Missions abroad are often a law unto themselves, and the new immigration directive is a seminal change. In addition to a valid passport, there are now only three items required to process a visa: a statement detailing a visitor’s purpose and duration of stay, a valid return airline ticket and three months of certified bank statements. It’s much simpler and straightforward – and leaves no room for interpretation. Officials have to adhere to the guidelines and cannot complicate the process with spurious requests.
The new Trusted Tour Operator Scheme (TTOS) also holds vast potential. It’s an interim measure, initially aimed at China and India, that will allow accredited and registered tour operators to deal with large group visa applications. This will alleviate the pressure from applications processed via the usual system, facilitating individual applications. However, with the new directive issued by Minister Schreiber reducing the amount of supporting documentation required, this is an overall win for the market.
We continue to engage with the DHA around the final implementation of the TTOS, and I believe that it has to be an open and consultative process. Both China and India hold enormous potential for South Africa, and we cannot afford to drop the ball. The TTOS will be an important blueprint moving forward.
The ultimate goal is a fully electronic system similar to the one Kenya launched at the beginning of the year: Kenya have taken a bold approach. All foreign nationals can now enter the country without a visa for leisure or business travel for stays of up to 90 days. Visitors obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) online prior to travel – which costs USD$30 and takes up to three business days to process.
It’s working for Kenya, which has seen remarkable recovery, reaching 142% of their pre-COVID-19 tourist arrivals by the middle of 2024. In comparison, South Africa reached 84% recovery (or 1.2 million visitors).
Kenya’s tourism strategy focuses on digital transformation and e-visas, and it’s paying huge dividends. They’re on track to meet their ambitious goal of attracting 2.5 million tourists by the end of 2024.
In conclusion
The launch of the Remote Visa Work, TTOS and the implementation of the Points-Based System for Work Visas (which addresses past gaps and inefficiencies), will definitely attract people to South Africa, but we have to do much more.
We remain firm on issues like 90-day visas for all visitors, and waivers for EU countries that still require a visa. Minister Schreiber’s vision for transforming Home Affairs into a digital-first organisation is a commendable one – but we have to ensure it includes visa reform across the board, making South Africa one of the most accessible, welcoming countries in the world.
Related FAQs: Visa process reforms
Q: What are the key changes in the new visa process reforms for tourism and immigration?
A: The new visa process reforms aim to streamline the visa application process, enhance the tourism industry, and introduce new visa categories such as the remote work visitor visa and a points-based system for work visas. These reforms are expected to attract more visitors and skilled workers to South Africa.
Q: How will the visa reforms impact tourism in South Africa?
A: The visa reforms are designed to simplify entry for tourists, which could significantly boost South Africa’s tourism sector. By reducing bureaucratic hurdles, the reforms are expected to increase the number of international visitors contributing to economic growth.
Q: What is the trusted tour operator scheme mentioned in the new visa reforms?
A: The trusted tour operator scheme allows designated tour operators to facilitate visa applications for their clients more efficiently. This initiative aims to enhance the experience for tourists and ensure compliance with visa requirements.
Q: How does the new points-based system for work visas work?
A: The new points-based system for work visas evaluates applicants based on specific criteria such as skills, qualifications and work experience. This aims to attract critical skills necessary for the South African economy, ensuring that the right talent is brought into the country.
Q: What changes have been made regarding work visa applications?
A: The changes to work visa applications include the introduction of new visa categories and a more efficient assessment process. The home affairs minister has emphasised the importance of this reform to support sectors facing skills shortages.
Q: Are there any specific visa requirements that have changed with the reform?
A: Yes, the reforms have addressed unauthorised visa requirements that previously complicated the application process. The new regulations aim to clarify and simplify these requirements to encourage compliance and ease of travel.
Q: What is the remote work visitor visa and who can apply for it?
A: The remote work visitor visa is a new visa category that allows individuals to live in South Africa while working remotely for foreign companies. This visa is particularly aimed at attracting digital nomads and remote workers, contributing to the local economy.
Q: How does the South African government plan to enforce the new visa regime?
A: The South African government plans to enforce the new visa regime through enhanced monitoring and compliance checks, as well as the implementation of the trusted employer scheme to ensure that employers adhere to the new regulations.
Q: What role does the home affairs minister play in these visa process reforms?
A: The home affairs minister, currently Leon Schreiber, plays a crucial role in implementing and overseeing the visa reforms. His department is responsible for the amendment of the immigration regulations and ensuring that the new visa categories align with the country’s economic needs.
Q: When are the new visa reform changes expected to take effect?
A: The new visa reform changes were gazetted on Wednesday 9 October 2024 by the home affairs minister and are expected to begin implementation in 2024, with a focus on enhancing South Africa’s visa system and tourism appeal.