SA relaxes visa policy to promote tourism, help economy, airlines1

The Airlines Association of Southern Africa (AASA) welcomes the waiver on the requirement for foreign minors to carry unabridged birth certificates when travelling to South Africa.

On the weekend AASA, together with other aviation and tourism industry bodies, were advised by South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs that it had implemented the waiver while waiting for enacting legislation to be passed.

“This is welcome relief and will help South Africa regain its competitive position as an attractive tourism destination,” remarked AASA CEO, Chris Zweigenthal.

Although intended to curb human trafficking, AASA estimates the country’s travel, tourism and hospitality industries lost hundreds of millions of Rands over the past five years as a direct result of the restrictions and how they were implemented.

“Losses were felt as trade went to places that were easier to visit. At the same time local operating costs increased and margins compressed.  As a result, jobs were lost, livelihoods negatively affected and revenues derived from taxes declined.  Reforms such as this waiver will help to strengthen the entire sector and contribute towards the economic rejuvenation of South Africa and the region.   This is a good start, but there are still other corrective interventions to be made and unnecessary red tape to be slashed”, added Mr Zweigenthal

Wole Shadare