JOHANNESBURG, 11 OCTOBER 2024 – The Federated Hospitality Association of Southern Africa (FEDHASA) welcomes the South African government’s progressive visa reforms, which promise significant benefits for the hospitality industry. The introduction of the Remote Work Visitor Visa and the new Points-Based System for Work Visas, gazetted on 09 October 2024, are expected to inject new life into the tourism and hospitality sectors by attracting valuable skills, investment, and boosting tourism.
These reforms are expected to bring an influx of long-term visitors who will contribute substantially to local economies. “Remote workers and digital nomads are like long-term tourists,” explains Rosemary Anderson, National Chairperson of FEDHASA. “They’ll be staying in our guesthouses, dining in our restaurants, working from our coffee shops, and exploring our tourist attractions. This sustained economic activity is exactly what our industry needs to thrive and create more jobs.”
The Department of Home Affairs’ announcement aligns perfectly with President Cyril Ramaphosa’s July directive to overhaul the visa regime to attract skills, investment, and grow the tourism sector. In addition to the new visa categories, a recent directive has streamlined the application process for 3-month visas. “The clarification that only three requirements are needed for short-term visas will ensure consistency among immigration officers and make South Africa more welcoming to visitors,” Anderson said.
“We have long advocated for a digital nomad visa, and its implementation is music to our ears,” Anderson continued. “These individuals, while employed abroad and not competing with local workers, bring valuable foreign currency into the country, supporting a wide range of hospitality businesses.”
The Remote Work Visa, requiring a gross annual income of R650,000, is arguably the most attractive of its kind globally, according to Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber. Its appeal is further enhanced by relaxed tax requirements for those from countries with double taxation agreements.
FEDHASA also celebrates the implementation of the Points-Based System for Work Visas. This transparent system objectively evaluates applicants for Critical Skills and General Work Visas, addressing past inefficiencies and promoting fairness. This streamlined approach will be instrumental in bringing much-needed expertise into South Africa, benefiting various sectors, including the hospitality industry.
“These reforms demonstrate a commitment to modernising South Africa’s immigration policies and creating a welcoming environment for skilled individuals,” added Anderson. “We are confident that these changes will stimulate economic growth, generate employment opportunities, and enhance South Africa’s global competitiveness in the tourism market.”
FEDHASA looks forward to collaborating with the government to ensure the successful implementation of these reforms and maximise their positive impact on the hospitality and tourism sector.
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