Tourism industry frustrations over delays in implementing South Africa’s remote work visa have resurfaced following the Department of Home Affairs’ (DHA) withdrawal of Immigration Act amendments to accommodate high-spending digital nomads.
On March 28, DHA Minister Aaron Motsoaledi officially gazetted the Second Amendment of the Immigration Regulations, introducing a long-awaited remote working visa that would allow foreign nationals (earning no less than R1 million (€50 200) per year) employed by foreign employers to work remotely from South Africa.
The amendments were, however, incorrectly gazetted a day before the closing date for public comments, prompting Motsoaledi to withdraw them on April 12.
South Africa’s tourism industry, including leading associations such as SATSA and FEDHASA, has long been calling for the implementation of a remote working visa, following President Cyril Ramaphosa’s promise more than two years ago that the country would introduce the…