South Africa Introduces Simplified Visa Policy for Nigerians

South Africa Introduces Simplified Visa Policy for Nigerians, Offers Five-Year Multiple Entry Visa

 

In a significant move to strengthen bilateral ties, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has unveiled a new visa policy for Nigerians, removing the need to submit passports during applications. This initiative aims to facilitate smoother travel for Nigerian tourists and businesspeople while promoting economic cooperation between the two nations.

 

Key Features of the New Visa Policy

 

President Ramaphosa announced the policy during the opening of the 11th session of the Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC) in Cape Town. Under the revised system, eligible Nigerian businesspeople and tourists can now obtain a five-year multiple entry visa.

 

“Our efforts to create a favorable environment include our simplified visa process for Nigerian businesspeople to travel to South Africa,” Ramaphosa stated. “Qualifying individuals can be granted a five-year multiple entry visa.”

 

This measure is part of South Africa’s broader commitment to ease travel and boost investment by addressing barriers that hinder economic interactions between the two countries.

 

Strengthening Economic Collaboration

 

Ramaphosa emphasized South Africa’s openness to Nigerian investments, highlighting the presence of several South African businesses operating in Nigeria. However, he acknowledged the need to resolve lingering challenges faced by companies in both nations.

 

“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,” he added.

 

Finalizing the Early Warning Mechanism

 

A key outcome of the BNC session was the agreement to finalize a five-year-old Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the Early Warning Mechanism. This initiative aims to monitor and prevent threats of violence, criminality, and reprisals involving nationals of both countries, especially in the wake of previous xenophobic attacks in South Africa.

 

The MoU is set to be signed by March 2025 during a visit by South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation to Nigeria. Ronald Lamola, South Africa’s Minister of International Relations, highlighted the urgency of the agreement, noting its importance in fostering safety and understanding between the two nations.

 

Shared Stance on Global Issues

 

On the escalating Middle East crisis, Nigeria and South Africa adopted a unified position, calling for an immediate ceasefire and a return to diplomacy. Both nations stressed the need to uphold international humanitarian law, protect civilians, and promote sustainable peace in the region.

 

President Tinubu’s Call for Strategic Partnership

 

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu also used the BNC platform to advocate for a strategic partnership between Nigeria and South Africa. He emphasized that closer cooperation could drive economic integration and shared prosperity, contributing to the broader growth of the African continent.