The Department of Home Affairs is facing pressure from President Cyril Ramaphosa to finalise the proposed South Africa digital nomad visa, although the officials are hesitant to commit to a new deadline after missing the initial 30 June 2023 target.
Home Affairs reveals why South Africa digital nomad visa is delayed
As reported by Tourism Update, Provincial Manager for the Western Cape DHA Yusuf Simons, elaborated on the causes of the delay and the remaining steps before the regulations are promulgated during a recent session with the Western Cape Standing Committee on Finance, Economic Opportunities and Tourism.
The initiative for a remote work visa emerged from President Ramaphosa’s 2021 State of the Nation Address as part of ‘Operation Vulindlela‘, a campaign aimed at boosting tourism and trade.
Subsequent announcements in 2022 and 2023 highlighted the development of new visa categories including a start-up and a digital nomad visa.
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Simons disclosed that the regulations were first submitted to the Office of the State Law Advisor (OSLA) on 10 June 2023.
After receiving feedback in August 2023, a revised version incorporating input from the Presidency was resubmitted to OSLA by 30 September 2023.
At this stage, the department is awaiting approval from State Law Advisors, whose regulations will be forwarded to the Minister of Home Affairs for gazetting, which is a 30-day process.
Simons acknowledged the ambition of the original deadline and mentioned that although a public participation process is not obligatory, skipping it could lead to challenges due to the significant changes proposed.
He also noted the absence of a tax policy concerning remote work but mentioned a legal opinion has been shared with SARS (South African Revenue Service), with discussions underway between the Home Affairs Director General Livhuwani Makhode and the SARS Commissioner.
Committee Chairperson Cayla Murray, along with Rosemary Anderson, Chairperson of FEDHASA, expressed frustration over the prolonged delays, comparing South Africa’s sluggish progress to Namibia’s recent introduction of a six-month remote working visa.
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The potential economic value of digital nomads, with an estimated collective worth of US$787 billion annually, underscores the urgency of the matter.
Is it possible to apply for a remote work visa in South Africa?
For now, digital nomads desiring a stay beyond 90 days can apply for a Temporary Residence Visa, also known as the Business Visa, with a processing time of about four weeks.
While the official procedure for the digital nomad visa is yet to be released, it’s anticipated to involve document preparation, an embassy appointment, application submission, fee payment, and a waiting period for approval.
The requisite documents include a valid passport, proof of accommodation, health insurance, and proof of income and employment.
The detailed application procedure and the exact cost of the visa remain undisclosed.
However, this development suggests a concerted effort to adapt to the evolving global work landscape, albeit with bureaucratic hurdles yet to be overcome.
