This new category, which my team and I have tirelessly advocated for through numerous submissions to Home Affairs Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi and President Cyril Ramaphosa, will be a game-changer for our visitor economy. The new amendments advise that those applying for the visa category must either work for a foreign source or ‘derive foreign source income on a remote basis’ which is just as the City has recommended.
By enabling remote workers to stay longer in our city, we can substantially boost our tourism value proposition, as these visitors will spend more money, benefiting various local businesses and services.
To prepare the sector, we have convened industry sessions to demonstrate our eagerness to have this category included in terms of product and service offerings. Additionally, we have signed partnerships with industry bodies and marketing agencies to ensure that our destination is showcased effectively. We are also working on a special marketing campaign that will connect with digital nomads the world over.
Our official Destination Marketing Organisation, Cape Town Tourism, has partnered with homestay platform, Airbnb to highlight the Mother City’s destination value for international remote workers. The partnership agreement includes a dedicated custom-built Airbnb hub for Cape Town that showcases top local long-term listings, attractions and experiences, and information relating to entry requirements and visa policies. Find more details here.
Now it is up to National Government to focus its efforts on making sure that the visas can be effectively issued and that the entire visa system is effective and efficient as it will be a major boost to our country’s economy, and drive investments and jobs for millions of desperate South Africans.
