Tinubu met Ramaphosa in Jonaesburg
South Africa relaxes visa rules for Nigerian investors, tourists
South Africa has relaxed visa application rules for Nigerian investors and tourists.
President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa disclosed the relaxed visa policy for Nigerians during a bilateral talk between him and President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday.
The meeting was at the opening session of the 11th Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC) in Cape Town.
President Ramaphosa, who explained that Nigerian investors and tourists could apply for a visa without submitting passport, stressed that South Africa has simplified its visa process for Nigerian business people and tourists, including a five-year multiple entry visas.
According to him, the new measures are to create a favourable environment, especially to simplify visa process for Nigerian business people to travel to South Africa.
“Qualifying Nigerian business people can be granted a five-year multiple entry visa,” he emphasized.
He also highlighted South Africa’s commitment to removing constraints on greater investment and addressing the challenges faced by companies in both countries.
“As we mark 30 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, we see a bright future for our relationship. Our strong bonds of friendship provide a firm foundation for more meaningful economic cooperation.
“Nigeria is host to a number of South African companies. South Africa has always been open to Nigerian business, reflected in the number of investments and operations established in this country.
“But there is much more we need to do. We need to remove the remaining constraints to greater investment, just as we need to address some of the challenges that companies have experienced,” he said.
Ramaphosa also acknowledged the Nigerian government’s reforms to further strengthen and foster a business environment that offers assurances to investors, including from South Africa.
He said his administration will continue with its efforts to improve the ease of doing business in South Africa. We want to enable investors to operate, trade and pursue opportunities in various sectors.
“We look forward to seeing more Nigerian companies investing in South Africa,” he said.
The South African leader said Africa’s development and the challenges facing countries of the Global South would be firmly placed on the G20 agenda.
“It will be the first time the G20 Leaders’ Summit will be held on African soil. We will seek to galvanise support for the AU’s Agenda 2063 as we pursue an inclusive global agenda.
“For South Africa, it is our view that in shaping global discourse, programs should be tailored to ensure that in our societies, no one is left behind,” he said.