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South Africa plans to reform its strict visa regime as part of efforts to attract more skilled workers and tourists, Home Affairs Minister Leon Shriver says. The announcement marks a major shift from previous immigration policies, which have been criticized as xenophobic.
According to a Reuters report, Shriver outlined an immediate change that would introduce a new points-based system for work visas that would automatically qualify individuals with certain qualifications. Additionally, the government plans to launch a remote work visa, with both measures expected to be implemented within the next few days.
“Visa reform to attract tourists, capital, and skills is one of the most effective strategies we can employ in the short term to stimulate economic growth,” Schreiber said.
Currently, foreigners with job offers in South Africa face a lengthy and opaque visa application process, often waiting months or even years for approval. Travelers from Western countries can usually secure a visa on arrival, but those from China and India, South Africa’s main markets, face red tape.
Shriver called the existing visa system a “catastrophic failure” that prevents the country from attracting the talent it needs to grow the economy. He said his office is working to address a backlog of 306,000 visa applications that has accumulated for more than a decade. Since he took over in July, his team has cleared 62% of this backlog by hiring more staff and putting in additional work hours.
“Skills shortages in the economy are the second-largest impediment to economic growth and job creation, after power outages,” Schreiber added, citing a Treasury study.
Shriver aims to digitize the paper-based visa application process within five years to increase efficiency, reduce the potential for fraud and eliminate bias among caseworkers. However, he acknowledged that budget constraints could pose challenges to these plans.
The policy shift comes amid ongoing debate over the country’s immigration dynamics, particularly African immigrants, who often face accusations of “stealing” jobs as one in three South Africans are unemployed. Mr Schreiber stressed that attracting skilled foreign nationals could boost the economy and create jobs for South Africans.
As part of a coalition government with the Democratic Unionist Party and the African National Congress, Shriver faces intense scrutiny from rights advocates who have criticized both parties for their anti-immigration sentiments even before forming the coalition.
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