It is good news that a report, containing recommendations on the adoption of a start-up and remote working VISA, amongst others, is now with the South African Presidency for consideration.
It would be a wonderful festive season gift for the South African economy if President Cyril Ramaphosa made an announcement on this new VISA during our summer peak season.
Indeed, time is of the essence. Other destinations have moved with pace to introduce this job-creating VISA, including our neighbour, Namibia, and already they are benefiting from this being in place.
There is also no need to wait for another year for its introduction, as was made clear in the Western Cape Government’s constructive proposal to the Department of Home Affairs, first submitted May 2021 and again in September 2022.
This proposal sets out recommendations that would enable the introduction of this VISA within the existing legal framework, through amendments to Immigration Act 13 of 2002 regulations – without needing to amend the Immigration Act, which is a lengthy process.
The longer South Africa waits to introduce this VISA, the more we will lose out on the clear digital nomad trend as well as the economic spin-offs from those who already have jobs elsewhere in the world and who are simply looking to enjoy their work from our beautiful country.
