South Africa is preparing to introduce a digital nomad visa, allowing foreign nationals to live and work remotely in the country.
This was announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa in his latest weekly newsletter.
He stated that the Department of Home Affairs has published draft amendments to existing immigration regulations.
They will include two new visa categories: a remote working visa and a critical skills visa.
The new visa categories aim to attract skilled workers, especially from the tech industry, by offering remote work benefits.
The visa also caters to so-called digital nomads, who can work virtually from anywhere in the world.
“A remote worker who wants to work in South Africa while being employed by a foreign company can receive such a visa,” President Ramaphosa said.
He stated on the newsletter: “International experience shows that employees with critical skills contribute to improved productivity, enhanced innovation, and improving the competitiveness of the firms they work for.”
Who is eligible for South Africa’s potential digital nomad visa? There are not that many requirements!
The Department of Home Affairs said the criteria for inclusion is a minimum annual income requirement of at least R1 million ($55,000).
This will ensure that individuals can significantly contribute to the local economy and maintain a high standard of living.
The President also noted that the draft regulations proposal would introduce a points system for critical skills visas.
This will take into account age, qualifications, language skills, work experience, and having an offer of employment.
