Statement by the City's Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth, Alderman James Vos

The new Africa Visa Openness Index is yet another reminder of the issues plaguing South Africa's current visa system, which is thwarting the local tourism industry.

The report comes after Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi stated that 'there are no plans to implement a digital nomad visa' and there also appears to be little progress on the existing eVisa programme.

This complicated and outdated visa programme is preventing our tourism industry from realising its full potential. According to the latest Tourism Sentiment Index, global sentiment for tourist activities in South Africa has increased with the country now ranked 16th in the world. South Africa was named one of the top spots worldwide for its natural beauty and experiences, as a festival and events destination, and for its restaurant scene. We also took the number 1 spot as a wine destination, a pat on the back for the Cape considering that the vast majority of the country's wines are produced here.

The Tourism Sentiment Index proves that there is a thirst for South African travel. If, however, our visa system is not revised and improved, we stand to lose out to destinations with less arduous administrative platforms.

Remote workers have exploded onto the travel scene and, according to one report of an incentive programme in Oklahoma in the USA, digital nomads generated nearly $20 million (approximately R 346 million) in additional local gross domestic product. With a special visa, South Africa stands to realise such gains.

In my proposal, on behalf of the City, the South African National Government would simply need to make an amendment to Section 11 of the Immigration Act which relates to an extension of visas beyond 90 days for specific activities.

I have suggested that the amended Act would also include the following requirements:

An applicant must provide evidence of employment abroad, as well as a sufficient income from such employment or own business registered abroad;

Prohibit the applicant's work activities in South Africa;

Allow the applicant's dependants to accompany them, on application.

If South Africa were to implement such strategies, we could indeed create a tourism-related job in every home in the country, just as it is my mission to do in Cape Town. Whether you're in aviation, boat-building, hospitality, retail, design, or clean energy, tourism relates to your work because it brings clients to your door.

I implore President Cyril Ramaphosa to act with haste in rolling out an improved visa system, including that of the remote worker visa. Our economy and jobless South Africans can't wait any longer.

Source: City Of Cape Town