S. Africa tourism sector demands implementation of revised visa regulations

South Africa's tourism sector on Monday accused the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) of taking a sluggish pace in resolving the visa issue.

The sector claims that the visa requirements are obstructing its development.

Notwithstanding the fact the South African government scrapped the mandatory unabridged birth certificate three weeks ago, the requirements still stand, Southern African Tourism Services Association CEO David Frost told Xinhua.

"Three-and-half weeks have since gone by since the announcement was made. So let's get them sorted out," said Frost.

In the revised regulations, travellers accompanied by minor children are no longer mandated to produce an unabridged birth certificate and potential visitors did not have to apply for visas in person.

Although the government is aware of the implications of the requirements on the country's economic growth, "the government can't change regulations overnight. It's a process. As for now the status quo remains the same," DHA spokesman Mayihlome Tshwete said.

Last month, the SA government announced its decision to ease restrictions for visa applications which have met strong opposition for hampering tourism growth.

The regulations have been blamed for a slump in tourist arrivals to SA, costing the economy billions of rand.

Under the amendment, the DHA will receive applications, including by post, and capture biometrics of travellers on arrival at ports of entry.

In May last year, before the amendment, the DHA demanded visitors to apply for visas in person and have their biometrics captured at South African missions overseas.

"The process is going to be very cumbersome and it is almost certainly going to detract from foreign investors wanting to invest, start businesses and work with South African businessmen," said Robbie Ragless, managing director of New World Immigration South Africa.

It is envisaged that the DHA will within a year add visa facilitation centres in the following countries: Zimbabwe, United Arab Emirates and Botswana, consider a visa-waiver for India, China, Russia and other countries, and consider granting a certain category of frequent travellers (business and academics) from Africa a 10-year Multiple Entry Visitor's Visa. Endit