Home Affairs Minister Schreiber excited about new visa reforms aimed at boosting tourism

CAPE TOWN - Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber says he's excited about the new visa reforms to be introduced in 2025, aimed at boosting tourism from China and India.

The department announced changes to its visa system to make it easier for groups of tourists from these countries to apply for visas and travel to South Africa.

Both countries do not have visa-free access to South Africa.

Schreiber said the department would launch the trusted tour operator scheme from January 2025, to cut the red tape involved with travelling here.

Approved tour operators from China and India will register with the department to fast track visas for their clients.

Schreiber said South Africa was losing out on millions of potential tourists from these countries because of the visa red tape involved.

"One of the most demoralising ones is when people have to go to the South African mission to apply. Home Affairs has 40% of the staff we need, we can't even properly staff offices in South Africa, so for us to staff missions around the world is just not going to happen. So, we end up relying on officials from the Department of International Relations to actually do Home Affairs work, which if you come from a business background is sub-optimal to say the least."

The City of Cape Town has welcomed the new visa reforms announced by the minister.

Economic Growth MMC James Vos said the scheme aligns perfectly with the city's call for visa reforms that support economic growth.
"Cape Town offers unmatched natural beauty, cultural heritage, and world-class infrastructure. With this new system and our tourism programme of action, we are set to tap into the Chinese and Indian markets, boosting our economy and creating more opportunities for Capetonians."