S. Africa introduces measures to make travel into country easy

Gigaba made the
announcement on Tuesday in Pretoria at a press briefing. This follows the
announcement by President Cyril Ramaphosa last week that South Africa would
change the visa regime to make it easier for tourists to visit the country to
reignite economic growth.

“We are
simplifying visa requirements for countries such as China and India. This will
make provision for taking biometrics on arrival in South Africa, allowing visa
applications via courier services. This should be in place next month, October
2018,” said Gigaba.

Gigaba pointed out
that tourists created and sustained jobs in the country, and migrants brought
critical skills like investors, doctors and researchers.

He said: “Easing
movement in this manner will help in attracting larger numbers of tourists,
business people and families.

In order to further
ease movement of travelers, for purposes of tourism, business meetings and
academic exchange, we have implemented long-term multiple entry visas for
frequent travelers.”

A three-year multiple
entry visa for frequent trusted travelers to South Africa is being granted.

There is also a
ten-year long-term multiple entry visa for business people and academics from
Africa.

South Africa is also
in the process of easing travel restrictions for people from Nigeria, Kenya and
Uganda among others.

The country is also
trying to guard against the risk of few travelers who come to the country to
commit organized crimes and terrorism, said Gigaba.

He said: “It is a
challenge inherent in immigration management to detect, prevent and act against
these risks without unduly inconveniencing law-abiding travelers.”

The home affairs
minister said foreign students who graduated in the country with critical
skills categories were offered an opportunity to apply for permanent residence
or critical skills visa. The skill list will be implemented in April 2019.

GNA