South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has introduced a new visa policy for Nigerians, allowing investors and tourists to apply for visas without submitting their passports.
He announced this on Tuesday during the opening of the 11th Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC) session in Cape Town, which was attended by Nigerian President Bola Tinubu.
He stated that South Africa has streamlined its visa procedures to make easier for Nigerian businesspeople and tourists, including the introduction of five-year multiple-entry visas.
He explained that this initiative aims to foster a more welcoming environment, particularly to facilitate travel for Nigerian businesspeople to South Africa.
“Eligible Nigerian businesspeople can receive a five-year multiple-entry visa,” he announced.
He reaffirmed South Africa’s dedication to eliminating barriers to increased investment and tackling the challenges businesses face in both nations.
“Celebrating 30 years of diplomatic relations, we envision a promising future for our partnership. Our solid friendship forms a strong base for deeper economic collaboration.”
Nigeria is home to numerous South African companies, while South Africa has consistently welcomed Nigerian businesses, evident in the various investments and operations established there.
“However, there is still work to be done. We must eliminate the remaining barriers to increased investment and address the challenges some companies have encountered.”
The South African president emphasized that Africa’s development and the challenges confronting Global South nations would be key priorities on the G20 agenda.
“This marks the first time the G20 Leaders’ Summit will take place on African soil. We aim to rally support for the African Union’s Agenda 2063 while advancing an inclusive global agenda.
“For South Africa, we believe global discussions and initiatives must be designed to ensure that no one is excluded in our societies,” he stated.
