The South African government has eased its visa requirements for Nigerian tourists and businesspeople, allowing them to apply for a visa without submitting a passport.
President Cyril Ramaphosa made this announcement on Tuesday during the opening of the 11th session of the Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC) in Cape Town, which was attended by President Bola Tinubu.
The announcement was shared in a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
According to the statement, President Ramaphosa explained that South Africa had streamlined its visa process to make travel easier for Nigerian businesspeople and tourists, including the introduction of five-year multiple entry visas.
Read Also: Areas Nigeria Is Seeking South Africa’s Support
“Our efforts to create a favourable environment include our simplified 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 was quoted as saying.
He also reiterated South Africa’s commitment to removing barriers to increased investment and addressing the challenges faced by businesses 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,” President Ramaphosa stated.
He also commended the Nigerian government’s reforms aimed at strengthening and creating a business environment that provides assurances to investors, including those from South Africa.
“Our government continues 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,” the President added.
The South African leader stated that Africa’s development and the challenges facing countries of the Global South would be prominently featured on the G20 agenda.
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaihFajBadmT29ufud2Z
