SATSA has responded to the draft amendments to the Immigration Regulations, published by the Department of Home Affairs on July 27, proposing a R500 (US$30) processing fee for applications submitted through the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) platform.
The ETA system intends to digitise South Africa’s visa application process as part of the broader Department of Home Affairs immigration reform programme.
In a statement released on July 31, David Frost, CEO of SATSA, welcomed visa reforms that strengthen South Africa’s competitiveness but pointed out considerable lack of engagement between the public and private sectors regarding their implementation.
Specifically on the ETA rollout, Frost said government has not meaningfully engaged with the industry despite tourism stakeholders consistently advocating for a modern, efficient visa system. The Department of Home Affairs provided only two formal opportunities for industry consultation over the past two years, which both offered limited scope for meaningful dialogue, he added.
Frost also called for greater clarity on how the ETA system would apply to visa-exempt travellers.
While the ETA offers a clear cost-saving benefit for travellers who currently require visas, the benefit for visa-exempt travellers, many from South Africa’s strongest source markets, remains unclear.
Under the draft regulations, travellers from visa-exempt countries would be able to apply voluntarily through the ETA platform and pay the R500 (US$30) fee.
SATSA is questioning the benefit of voluntary participation by a visa-exempt traveller and, by extension, whether those who do not participate will experience a different process on arrival.
Frost warned that introducing an additional administrative step for visa-exempt travellers could undermine one of South Africa’s competitive advantages with key source markets, including North America and Europe.
SATSA is working through the TBCSA to represent its members to the Department of Home Affairs during the consultation period and welcomes input on how the ETA regulations might affect businesses.
The Department of Home Affairs had not responded to requests for comment at the time of publication.
