The City of Cape Town welcomed Wednesday’s announcement of the remote work visa. James Vos, a member of the Mayoral Committee for Economic Growth, was overjoyed with the victory.
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‘I am thrilled to announce a significant victory in our ongoing efforts to have the National Government revise the visa regulations to include a remote worker visa,’ Vos said.
‘The Department of Home Affairs has just published new amended immigration regulations and this time they have taken note of suggestions made by industry and the City of Cape Town in 2022.’
He stated that this new category, which he and his team have advocated for in numerous submissions to Home Affairs Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi and President Cyril Ramaphosa, will be a game changer for the visitor economy.
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‘The new amendments advise that those applying for the visa category must either work for a foreign source or ‘derive foreign source income on a remote basis’ which is just as the City has recommended,’ Vos said.
‘By enabling remote workers to stay longer in our city, we can substantially boost our tourism value proposition, as these visitors will spend more money, benefiting various local businesses and services.’
He stated that to prepare for this sector, his department held industry sessions to demonstrate the City’s eagerness to include this category in its product and service offerings.
Vos said they have also signed partnerships with industry bodies and marketing agencies to ensure Cape Town, as a destination, is showcased effectively.
A special marketing campaign to connect digital nomads from around the world is also being developed.
‘Our official Destination Marketing Organisation, Cape Town Tourism, has partnered with homestay platform, Airbnb to highlight the Mother City’s destination value for international remote workers,’ Vos said.
‘The partnership agreement includes a dedicated custom-built Airbnb hub for Cape Town that showcases top local long-term listings, attractions and experiences, and information relating to entry requirements and visa policies.’
Vos added that it is now up to the national government to focus its efforts on ensuring that visas are issued effectively and efficiently, as this will be a significant boost to the South African economy and drive investments and jobs for millions of desperate citizens.
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Picture: Murray Swart
