In President Cyril Ramaphosa’s statement on the Economic Stimulus and Recovery Plan for South Africa, he highlighted the visa changes approved by the cabinet on Wednesday.

One of the key economic reforms mentioned in the president’s speech was the country’s visa regime, focusing on the amendments that will be made to regulations on travel of minors to South Africa, the list of countries requiring visas to enter South Africa, an e-visas pilot that will be implemented, and visa requirements for highly skilled foreigners that will also be revised.

“These measures have the potential to boost tourism and make business travel a lot more conducive. Tourism continues to be a great job creator and through these measures we are confident that many more tourists will visit South Africa,” says Ramaphosa.

The full details of the visa reforms and waivers have yet to be made available but will be officially gazetted in October – ahead of the busy December holiday period.