South Africa introduces new visa agreements in effort to boost tourism and investment

By professo

South Africa has announced changes in its immigration laws, which it hopes will increase its investments and boost its tourism industry.

The changes include visa waiver agreements, which are currently being settled between countries in Africa, the Middle East, and Europe – including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the UAE.

The nation has also announced it will allow visitors from India and China to apply for 5-year multiple entry visas.

The new, more relaxed rules will be introduced to South Africa in October, the nation’s President Cyril Ramaphosa announced.

SEE ALSO:

“We play a critical economic role in admitting over 10 million international visitors to South Africa annually, which includes tourists, business travellers, investors and neighbours,” Malusi Gigaba, South Africa’s Minister of Home Affairs.

“Millions of jobs are sustained by the economic activity generated by these travellers.”

“The key changes will be that rather than requiring all foreign nationals who are minors to carry documentation which proves parental consent and certificates of birth, we will rather strongly recommend that the parents of these minors carry the documentation.”

“These changes will be implemented ahead of the festive season. We’ll also train immigration officials on the revised regulations to ensure smooth implementation.”

Share

Featured Articles

Top 10 most innovative telecom operators in the Middle East

With Dubai-based Telecoms World Middle East in full swing, we chart the most innovative telcos from the region – and look at how they are transforming

Top 10 fastest-growing Indian companies in the UK

Business Chief takes a look at the top 10 fastest-growing Indian companies in the UK, according to the India Meets Britain Tracker from Grant Thornton

Top 10 workplaces prioritising people and planet in the UAE

Sustainable, flexible, collaborative, tech-driven, and amenities-rich, the office of the future considers both people and planet – here are 10 in the UAE

Top 10 female HR execs leading Saudi’s workplace transition

Leadership & Strategy

Top 10 largest asset managers by AUM operating in the UAE

Corporate Finance

Top 10 female CEOs leading Africa’s biggest businesses

Leadership & Strategy