South African visa overhaul

South Africa’s government published a series of reforms to the nation’s work-visa regulations that are aimed at attracting more professionals to its skills-starved economy.

The Department of Home Affairs said details of the remote work visitor visa and the points-based system for work visas were announced in the official Government Gazette on Wednesday, according to a statement published on its website.

“The gazetting of all required elements for the remote work visitor visa and the new points-based system for work visas amounts to the single most progressive and pro-jobs regulatory reform South Africa has seen in decades,” Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber said in a statement.

“The gazetting of all required elements for the Remote Work Visitor Visa and the new Points-Based System for Work Visas amounts to the single most progressive and pro-jobs regulatory reform South Africa has seen in decades,” said Schreiber.

“Importantly, the new points-based system also introduces a transparent framework to adjudicate visas to tackle corruption,” added the minister.

In the gazettes, the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) said that:

The Remote Work Visa allows high-earning individuals employed overseas to spend their foreign currency in South Africa, contributing to the economy by paying Value-Added Tax, dining at local restaurants, and purchasing goods and services from South African producers.

The new Points-Based System for Work Visas addresses corruption and inefficiency by reducing bureaucracy and implementing a clear points system to objectively assess eligibility for Critical Skills or General Work Visas.