Another Positive Move To Attract More Tourists To SA

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In his speech on Thursday, 6 February 2025, President Cyril Ramaphosa said South Africa will introduce an ETA system this year. It will use artificial intelligence (AI) and automation to reduce the scope for corruption and enable rapid turnaround times for tourist visas.

David Frost, CEO of Southern Africa Tourism Services Association (SATSA), said in 2024 South Africa welcomed 2.1 million international visitors, which is only 82% of the foreigners who visited the country in 2019. This means a lot of hard work still lies ahead to recover to pre-pandemic levels.

According to World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) data the South African tourism sector contributes 8.8% to GDP and supports 1.68 million direct jobs.

Prof. Elmarie Slabbert, Professor at the School of Tourism Management at the North-West University, said given that tourist numbers are not yet at the level it was before the COVID-19 pandemic, the ETA will enhance accessibility to South Africa. This is embedded in a faster and more efficient system that will reduce frustrations for potential tourists.

With strong competition from the rest of Africa when it comes to tourism, especially for leisure, a simplified and quicker process to obtain a visa may convince potential tourists to rather choose South Africa. “The implementation of this type of technology will directly contribute to the growth of tourist numbers,” she said.

The crux is to implement it as quickly as possible. She said South Africa cannot afford to fall behind in terms of visa processes, because it will lead to a loss of visitors. “If the ETA can ensure efficiency, other countries, especially in Africa, will have to pull up their socks as South Africa remains a popular tourist destination. Other African countries like Namibia, Tanzania and Malawi also offer an online system, and the growth in visitor numbers is visible. Namibia, for example, reached their pre-COVID numbers in 2024.”

Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa, CEO of the Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA), said an ETA to make it simpler, quicker and safer for those who need a visa to enter South Africa, should be welcomed.

In its deliberations with the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) on the Trusted Tour Operator Scheme (TTOS) last year, the implementation of an ETA formed part of TBCSA’s proposal.

Ramaphosa also alluded to the TTOS to attract more tourists from China and India. Travel agencies approved as Trusted Tour Operators will benefit from reduced red tape and enhanced turnaround times on visa applications they submit for large tour groups and will receive assistance in cases where language is a barrier.

Tshivhengwa said for visitors who require a visa for South Africa, the system will ensure an agile process for fast authorisation with a built-in risk. TBCSA wants the ETA to be available only to visitors from countries requiring visas to come to South Africa.

Countries such as the UK and New Zealand require all travellers to complete an ETA form, even those who does not require a visa to enter. This should not be the case for South Africa as it will add an extra layer of complexity, he said.

There are about 100 countries whose citizens can travel to South Africa without a visa or with visa waivers in place, and these visitors should not be burdened with added requirements, TBCSA said.

In a reference to the ETA last year, Minister of Home Affairs Dr Leon Schreiber said instead of having to go through red tape and manual procedures, travellers wishing to visit South Africa will have to create a profile on a secure online platform in order to submit an ETA application.

“The application must be adjudicated instantly, only requiring human intervention if an anomaly is detected by the machine. Over time, this system will replace paper-based visas by issuing the traveller with a unique digital code linked to their passport information,” the DHA said at the time.

Business leaders are encouraged by the ETA announcement as South Africa and the DHA have long been criticised for onerous processes and undue long delays in issuing visas to foreigners who want to visit South Africa for business, holiday or work opportunities.

Marisa Jacobs, Managing Director at Xpatweb and the BUSA NEDLAC Business Representative for Immigration, said eradicating more than 90% of the visa backlog by the end of 2024, was one of the big wins for DHA in the last year. The progress with processing visa applications, visa reforms and digitization at DHA, have already contributed to position the DHA as a vital economic enabler.

Ramaphosa said in his address to the nation these positive changes send a strong message that South Africa is open for business and tourism.

According to the Africa Visa Openness Index, early adopters of an ETA include Australia as far back as 1996, followed by the United States and Canada, and more recently, the United Kingdom (UK) and New Zealand.

Other countries offering ETA systems, include Korea and Mexico, while Thailand, Israel and Japan plan to launch an ETA for citizens that qualify for visa‑free entry soon.

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Bringing in the Bomb Squad at Home Affairs

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Meet the Backlog Bomb Squad – the dedicated team of people at the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) who, for the last six months of 2024, worked tirelessly to clear the visa application backlog of over 306,000 unprocessed applications. Some of the pending applications were dating back over a decade.

It was no mean feat. It took sweat and endurance, working long hours, at night, over weekends and over holidays to clear the backlog which acted as a millstone around the neck of the DHA and handbrake on South Africa’s economic growth prospects. But they succeeded with flying colours, said Dr Leon Schreiber, Minister of Home Affairs, at a gala event in Sandton on Monday, 3 February, celebrating the team’s success.

Before DHA brought the collective Bomb Squad, comprising government officials and private sector employees, onto the field, many people had given up on the idea that their applications would ever be processed. The delays, long queues and system downtime, led some to refer to “Hell Affairs” rather than “Home Affairs”, Schreiber said.

The Minister said copying Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus’ innovative, out-of-the-box approach with an unconventional split on the replacement bench which took the rest of the rugby world by surprise, the DHA drew on resources and support from across the public and private sector to strengthen the Backlog Eradication Team in an innovative new way.

“Like the Springbok Bomb Squad, we did so to ensure that we end much stronger than we started, by finally getting the backlog project over the try line.”

On this subject, Phindiwe Mbhele, Director of Corporate Accounts at DHA, told Marisa Jacobs, Managing Director of Xpatweb, in a recent podcast on important immigration reforms in South Africa, that the clearing of the visa and permitting backlog is nothing short of remarkable.

He chuckled about a sudden, new and unexpected problem the team faced due to the efficient speed at which they got the job done. By early December over 80% of the backlog was cleared and in the last days of 2024 it was more than 90%.

As the team worked almost non-stop to eradicate the backlog by Christmas, the DHA ran out of visa labels – the stickers placed in an applicant’s passports containing information about the visa conditions.

“Running out of labels is in itself an indication of the number of approved applications that we finalised. Consequently, a lot of outcomes were stuck at the printing stage, and this is where the Government Printing Works did their part in printing a high number of labels for us to issue,” Mbhele said.

Good news for business

He admitted because the DHA could not issue visas on time, it had to resort to other measures such as granting several concessions over the last few years to applicants awaiting outcomes in order for them to stay in South Africa legally.

Many businesses were also uncomfortable when they faced the possibility of employing someone whose visa has or would expire soon, and the employee only having a receipt to show as proof that he or she applied for a visa renewal in time.

The Minister said the backlog project in particular is more important to South Africa than what may appear from face value. “It deprived our economy of the investment and skills it needs to grow and achieve the apex priority of the Government of National Unity, which is to create jobs. It is for precisely this reason, that it is so important that we make meaningful and urgent progress at Home Affairs.”

Benefits for South Africa

During the gala event, Schreiber said DHA is on track with important reforms and the future must be built entirely around digital transformation.

Jacobs, also the BUSA NEDLAC Business Representative for Immigration, was among the business representatives attending the Sandton event.  She said the progress with processing visa applications, visa reforms and digitization at DHA under Schreiber’s leadership, are some of the positive developments in the immigration landscape the past year. It has already contributed to position the DHA as a vital economic enabler.

Organised business welcomes the good cooperation and engagement with the Department as the benefits to corporates, international travellers and South Africans are becoming more evident.

Both Schreiber and Mbhele said the achievement of clearing of the backlog opens the way for creating a more efficient and digitally transformed Home Affairs to deliver dignity and help create jobs.

This year the Minister want the DHA adjudicators to focus on clearing appeals flowing from the backlog. He wants high quality decisions where adjudicators act as risk managers, and not as gatekeepers.

Mbhele said he looks with excitement to the year ahead to make strides in realizing DHA’s vision to deliver Home Affairs @ home.

The aim is to get both South Africans and visitors out of long queues and offices by enabling them to access all departmental services digitally, whether it be from the comfort of their own home, a local bank branch or community library.

(The podcast can be accessed here: https://youtu.be/vx4renI9CFo)

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How Home Affairs’ Immigration Reforms Could Drive SA’s Growth in 2025

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Marisa Jacobs, Managing Director at Xpatweb, says this points to an environment conducive to economic growth and will strengthen efforts by key role players such as the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) in positioning itself as an engine to achieve higher growth. Minister of Home Affairs, Dr Leon Schreiber, said on several occasions that the DHA is committed to this goal by focusing on job creation and the enhancement of immigration policies.

Referring to some notable developments and directives already actioned in this regard in 2024, Jacobs outlines 4 priorities for 2025 which has the potential to put South Africa on a sustained upward growth trajectory.

SA’s G20 Presidency must be fully harnessed

This year shines the international spotlight on South Africa as we assumed the G20 Presidency. It opens the door to promote the country as a hub for global talent and entrepreneurship, encouraging skilled workers in high demand, business leaders, and investors to come and do business here.

The G20 member countries are among the world’s largest economies, accounting for 85% of global gross domestic product (GDP), over 75% of international trade and about two-thirds of the world population. Esteemed company indeed.

2025 will see several G20 related working groups meeting in South Africa, culminating in a landmark summit in Johannesburg in November. This is the first time a G20 summit will be hosted in Africa, offering a unique opportunity to showcase not only South Africa’s beauty and business offering, but the Africa continent’s potential as well.

Rolling out the red carpet, ensuring smooth travel to and in South Africa and efficiency in assisting all the high-level delegates during this time is our chance to shine and make a lasting impact.

Attracting more skilled foreign professionals  

South Africa’s immigration policy plays a vital role in driving economic growth as it enables companies to recruit professionals with scarce skills from abroad, and removing barriers such as onerous visa requirements for international tourists.

A significant legislative intervention by the DHA as part of reforming the Visa regime, was the introduction of the Remote Work Visa in October 2024. This brings South Africa in line with almost 50 countries worldwide who attract highly skilled remote workers, or so-called digital nomads who can choose from where in the world they want to work.

This visa category holds huge potential, and DHA is already taking part in initiatives to market South Africa as a preferred destination for remote workers. The more successful these efforts, the more foreigners will come to live and work in South Africa, spending money in the economy, help foster a more innovative and globally connected economy, pass on some of their high-level skills to locals and spreading a positive message about South Africa.

Immigration Advisory Board (IAB) welcomed

The re-establishment of the IAB, as announced by Minister Schreiber shortly after he took office in 2024, will bring transparency and predictability in the adjudication of visa applications.

Members of the board will be appointed based on their knowledge, experience, and involvement in law, adjudication, control, or enforcement, thus ensuring proper consultative and evidence-based counsel to the Minister following proper consultation and deliberations.

This is an important development in addressing the intricate challenges of immigration policy, concerns regarding inefficiency, and possible favouritism in the visa process. The benefits of transparency in this regard to attract global talent to South Africa cannot be understated.

Reaping the full benefits of AI

The DHA’s top priorities for the next five years, include digitally transforming the department through automation and advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), which will help enhance efficiency of frontline office operations by reducing time spent on routine tasks. In Minister Schreiber’s words: “The vision directs that all of the department’s services must become fully automated, digitised and offered online at the fingertips of our clients, from the comfort of their own homes.”

The Minister has stated on record that there are resource challenges within his department, with only 40% of the staff required to provide adequate services under the current model. This requires clients to physically visit offices for even the most routine transactions.

Embracing digital transformation will enable clients to access departmental services wherever they are, bringing efficiencies and reducing costs. We can expect to see the benefits of a transformed DHA into a digital-first, world-class institution in the medium to long term. We should look with interest at the upcoming Budget Speech for allocations to support DHA’s automation agenda.

In closing

All in all, an exciting year ahead for Home Affairs promising various initiatives and new technologies to be introduced for the benefit of DHA employees, citizens, everyone using departmental services and last but not least, South Africa as a whole.

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Phindiwe Mbhele on Remote Work Visa: Splendid Cape Town is wooing more and more digital nomads

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Topping the list

The UK magazine Time Out recently named Cape Town the best city in the world, based on more than 18,000 respondents worldwide commenting on the city’s beauty, vibrant food scene, affordability and overall vibe, among others. Mbhele says this accolade will certainly impact global remote workers who are considering different global destinations from where they want to work.

“These reports give us mileage to potentially attract remote workers to South Africa,” he told Marisa Jacobs, Managing Director of Xpatweb, in a podcast discussing legislative changes and the introduction of new visa categories as part of modernizing South Africa’s visa regime to boost economic growth.

Mbhele says Cape Town topping the list, ties in with the trends the Department observes among foreigners who want to live and work in the Mother City.

SA as preferred destination

The Department is involved in several initiatives abroad to help market South Africa as a country of preference among tourists, but also as an appealing remote work destination for skilled professionals from other countries.

In collaboration with the Department of Tourism, the DHA already took part in tours to India and China, focusing on attracting more tourists from there.

Mbhele explains an individual who becomes a remote worker residing in South Africa, in a way also becomes a tourist and explore all South Africa has to offer. The multiplier effect of them sharing their experiences with family and friends abroad who then also visit South Africa, is huge.

Jacobs agrees favourable word-of-mouth reviews by remote workers of their great experiences in South Africa, is invaluable and will attract more professional remote workers.

Huge uptake anticipated

DHA anticipates a huge uptake of the Remote Work Visa in 2025 as the news about the visa gains tractions and with international studies confirming professionals who work remotely from a country other than where they come from, is a growing phenomenon around the world.

Mbhele alludes to a study by the international company Buffer where 98% of respondents indicated they would like to work remotely, at least some of the time, for the rest of their careers. This is higher than the previous year.

There are currently an estimated 40 million digital nomads globally which can grow to 60 million by 2030. LinkedIn estimates that 10,000 of the world’s remote workers are working from South Africa.

It started as an idea during Covid-19

Remote Work or Digital Nomad Visas was an important point of discussion during Covid-19 when work-from-home (WFH) or remote work as a trend became the norm. Back then, many countries issued such visas to accommodate mobile professionals from other countries.

Mbhele says the DHA started receiving similar requests, but at the time had no specific visa to accommodate the growing digital nomad population. This while other countries could even quantify the economic benefits of attracting these foreign professionals who spend money in the local economy.

The idea originated to find a legislative intervention to allow for the issuing of remote work visas to foreign digital nomads who wanted to be based in South Africa while doing work for an overseas employer. “We decided we had to introduce it into our legislation.”

The introduction of the Remote Work Visa is seen as a significant development bringing South Africa’s offering in line with some 45 plus nations who, according to the World Economic Forum, now grant visas to allow remote work.

Qualifying criteria

The Remote Work Visa is in essence granted to foreign professionals who work for an international employer, but the worker is based in South Africa. It is available to foreign nationals who earn above a certain threshold and can show proof of employment by a foreign entity.

Jacobs stresses that holders of the Remote Work Visa must ensure they remain tax compliant both in South Africa and abroad.

Further to this, criteria applying to all kind of visas such as having a valid passport, no criminal record, and submitting a valid certificate of vaccination for applicants from a country with Yellow Fever, also applies.

Mbhele’s final words to foreign remote workers: “We want to, and are ready to welcome you to South Africa.”

The podcast can be accessed here:

PART 1 of 3 | Immigration Update with DHA | Remote Work Visa

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Cape Town Shines, and So Does South Africa’s New Critical Skills Visa Overhaul

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How the Points-Based System Works

The system was introduced as part of a significant overhaul of the South African immigration landscape. For Critical Skills applicants, the new system is refreshingly straightforward. Occupations on the Critical Skills List automatically earn 100 points, meeting the threshold for visa approval. This eliminates much of the red tape previously associated with proving one’s eligibility. Essentially, if you’re in-demand, you’re in.

For applicants under the General Work Visa category, the process involves earning points based on qualifications, work experience, salary, and even the employer’s status. While this ensures fairness, the Critical Skills route remains the fastest track to contributing your expertise to South Africa.

The Partial Waiver: A Vital Relief

Recognizing the hurdles many highly skilled professionals face, the South African government has introduced a partial waiver for Critical Skills Visa applicants. This waiver relaxes certain requirements, such as obtaining a professional body registration or South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) evaluation of foreign qualifications, depending on the circumstances.

This progressive move acknowledges that global talent often does not fit neatly into bureaucratic boxes. By lowering these barriers, South Africa is signaling its openness to attracting top professionals from around the world.

The Impact

The streamlined process and partial waiver are already creating ripples across industries. Employers are benefiting from quicker access to international talent, while applicants enjoy a more transparent and efficient system. This is particularly vital in roles in ICT, engineering and C-suite, where skills shortages have hampered growth and service delivery.

The points-based system also levels the playing field, prioritizing skills and merit over paperwork. It’s a win-win for South Africa and skilled professionals eager to make an impact in a dynamic economy.

Why It Matters

South Africa’s critical skills reform isn’t just about visas; it’s about economic transformation. By focusing on attracting top talent and removing unnecessary barriers, the country is positioning itself as a competitive destination for global professionals. For those with the expertise and ambition to match, the opportunity has never been greater.

In short, South Africa is rolling out the red carpet for critical skills.

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