Authorities in South Africa may offer digital nomad visas as part of efforts to attract tech talent to this country, in particular.
As a result, South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs (DHA) proposed amendments to the country’s immigration laws, VisaGuide.World reports.
The new amendments include the introduction of a point-based system for work visas and the provision of digital nomad visas to internationals earning at least R 1 million ($52,575) per year.
The new proposal aims to bring highly skilled persons to the country, especially those engaged in the information technology sector. The program is designed to help further economic growth and tourism.
Earlier this month, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said in his weekly newsletter that the country needs more people with the necessary skills in order to thrive in the evolving global economy.
In addition, the president said that specific immigration changes such as those proposed by the Department would ensure that the country’s economy remains competitive as it grows and creates more employment opportunities.
A remote worker who wants to work in South Africa while being employed by a foreign company can receive such a visa. International experience shows that employees with critical skills contribute to improved productivity, enhanced innovation, and improving the competitiveness of the firms they work for.
If introduced, South Africa would join other African countries that offer such opportunities for foreigners, including those from Cape Verde, Namibia, Mauritius, and Seychelles, among others.
Through the Digital Nomad Visa, remote workers are eligible to legally work in one country while working for companies or clients from other territories.
Different countries apply different rules when it comes to the Digital Nomad visa, while up to this point, the program is offered in a large number of countries.
Based on the Digital Nomad Visa index of VisaGuide.World, which ranks countries based on their suitability for digital nomads, Spain is the best country in the world when it comes to this kind of visa.
Spain is followed by Argentina, Romania, UAE, Croatia, Portugal, Uruguay, Malta, Norway and Andorra.
Currently, internationals are eligible to head to South Africa for work purposes on the country’s business visa or work visa, among others.
While the business visa offers foreigners the opportunity to work or invest in the South African economy for a maximum of 90 days, work visas are issued to internationals with specific skills in demand.