CAPE TOWN: Business and diplomatic travellers from South Africa’s Brics partners will receive port of entry visas into the country, Home Affairs Minister Malusi Gigaba said.
I have approved the issuance of port of entry visas to Brics business executives for up to 10 years, with each visit not to exceed 30 days, he told the Cape Town Press Club.
Gigaba said the relevant individuals would receive a long-term visa allowing them multiple entry into the country for the duration of the passport’s validity, not exceeding ten years.
The department would continue to meet a turnaround time of five days for short-term business visas.
It had consulted extensively with the Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa (Brics) business council and the trade and industry department.
Gigaba said the four countries presented an “important investment potential”. Together with South Africa, they comprised 40% of the world’s population. Business people from Brazil, Russia, India, and China want to come to our country, buy and sell an increasing array of products and services, and invest in our companies and growth sectors,” he said.
At home affairs we are completely committed to enabling this by facilitating the efficient entry of these commercial visitors, and will continually look for opportunities to improve in this regard.”
The department had not demanded reciprocal arrangements from Brics partners.
Gigaba smiled when asked if his announcement would anger countries that had long-established trading relationships with South Africa.
