South Africa wants to review its immigration rules, to ensure that it is able to attract more tourists and investors as it looks to revive its economy.
This month South Africa entered into recession for the first time since 2009, according to second quarter data.
That means the country has for two successive quarters recorded economic decline with a fall in Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
The country’s president, Cyril Ramaphosa says his country will soon recover from recession.
On Tuesday his Home Affairs Minister Malusi Gigaba said the planned immigration reforms include agreeing visa waiver agreements with more countries.
This new reforms will help boost investment and tourism, according to the minister. Tourism contributes more than $28 billion to South Africa’s economy.
Gigaba told journalists that “We play a critical economic role in admitting over 10 million international visitors to South Africa annually, which includes tourists, business travelers, investors and neighbours.”
He adds that “Millions of jobs are sustained by the economic activity generated by these travelers.”
From next month South Africa is allowing visitors from India and China into the country under relaxed travel regulations. Visitors from these countries will be allowed applications for 5-year multiple entry visas.
There are ongoing discussions according to the south African government with other nations for waivers. Those countries are from Africa, the Middle East and eastern Europe.
Source: Africafeeds.com
