Is it working?

The remote working or digital nomad visa is yet to be rolled out, despite regulations being in place.

Actions

Government gazetted a policy framework. The revised "Second Amendment Immigration Regulations [2014]"), amending the Immigration Act (2002), enables the development of the remote work visa.

Are there plans?

Forms part of the visa regime set out in the 2020 Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan.

Is it on the agenda?

Falls under the Operation Vulindlela Phase 1 agenda .

Goals

Establish new visa categories, including the remote working or digital nomad visa, to help streamline application processes.

Is it working?

Regulations are in place and implementation is ongoing.

Actions

e-visa is already in place, which aims to streamline the visa application process. Other systems are expected to be rolled out in the near future.

Are there plans?

New visa systems are in the pipeline.

Is it on the agenda?

Falls under the Operation Vulindlela phase 2 (from phase 1) agenda.

Goals

Streamlining application requirements to ease the administrative burden of visa applications (eg, Trusted Employer Scheme, e-visa and the proposed ETA).

Is it working?

Regulations and recommendations are already in place for the development of various visa system projects. Most visa system-related projects are still in development and are not yet operational.

Actions

Regulations are in place which target several key reforms aimed at reducing red tape in the visa system.

Are there plans?

• Outlined in the Work Visa Review Report (2022)

Is it on the agenda?

Yes, it falls under the Operation Vulindlela Phase 1 agenda towards reducing red tape in visa administration, particularly for work visas and enhancing tourism through easier visa access.

Goals

The Red Tape Reduction (RTR) task team, led by Sipho Nkosi in the Presidency was initially tasked to reduce excessively complex rules, regulations and procedures in the area of work permits and visa administration.

Is it working?

TES is already in effect and making headway. To date, the department reports that a total of 68 companies have qualified for admission to the TES. The department is expected to sign memoranda of understanding with approved employers. Another round of the launch or invitation is expected in August 2025 which we will track.

Actions

The department established regulations for the TES development as well as invited companies to apply for the scheme.

Are there plans?

In effect; plans complete.

Is it on the agenda?

It was under the agenda of Operation Vulindlela during Phase 1. It is also now forms part of Phase 2. It also: • Forms part of the visa regime set out in the 2020 Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan • It is recommended in the Work Visa Review Report (2022) • The scheme forms part of the DHA's Strategic Plan 2025-2030 and the MTDP 2024-2029.

Goals

Develop and implement a system to vet and approve employers/companies in advance, allowing them to employ skilled foreign labour with a reduced administrative burden for visa applications.