Visa regulation concessions nothing more than a band-aid

23 October 2015

The DA is concerned that the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on Immigration's concessions today on VISA regulations amounts to nothing more than a band-aid, that will continue to slow down the VISA application process and add red-tape. This will continue to undermine international tourism growth in South Africa that currently boasts revenue losses of R7.5 billion and has worsened unemployment.

The DA had urged the Minister of Home Affairs and the Minister of Tourism to act swiftly to scrap these ill-thought out, job killing proposals. Instead of acting decisively they have stuttered on a matter that is of extreme importance to the South African economy.

The amendments announced today no longer make it mandatory for inbound travellers from VISA-exempt countries to carry unabridged birth certificates for accompanying minors. This excludes many other countries which are not exempted. It also fails to make provisions for biometrics visa applications to be done at the airport, which is a far easier, cost-effective and efficient process.

I will ask that the Portfolio Committee on Tourism summon the Minister of Home Affairs, the Minister of Tourism, and the Deputy President to account for this effective fudge, which will not provide the hope the millions of unemployed South Africans needed – especially in this difficult economic climate.

The DA has consistently called for an electronic VISA system that will easily facilitate tourists looking to travel to South Africa.

The DA will continue to fight against these VISA regulations, so that our economy grow and we can create the jobs our people so desperately need.

Statement James Vos MP, DA Shadow Minister of Tourism, 23 October 2015