South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, has brought in a change in tourist visa policy for Nigerian visitors by stating they are not required to submit their passports for an application.
Intent to enable easier travel for Nigerians of South Africa
At the opening of the 11th Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC) Ramaphosa said that Nigerian businessmen and tourists were eligible for a multiple entry five-year visa, as announced last week he says this further simplifies travel between the two countries.
South Africa to reduce visa hassles: Ramaphosa, both South African President and re-emphasized that the process of obtaining visas to South Africa has been streamlined in an effort to improve an environment that would be more favorable for Nigerian business people and tourists.
The aim of this simplification is to encourage more movement and better economic linkage.
“Nigeria has a simplified visa regime for its citizens visiting South Africa as part of our efforts to create an enabling environment,” he said Talks on Nigeria-South Africa relationships is ongoing with a key partner in mind.
On Wednesday South Africa’s president also said the government must work on removing obstacles to investment and the problems faced by firms dealing in both nations. He added, “Nigeria hosts many South African companies” showing an existing economic relation.
While acknowledging that there has been significant investment to date, Ramaphosa said more must be done to break down any remaining barriers to growth. He said that while we call for partnerships to resolve the issues businesses have faced, it will make it easier from an investment perspective for would be investors.
South Africa and Nigeria have also agreed to finalise a five-year old MoU on the Early Warning Mechanism. This aspect takes a lead in observing violent threats and criminal incidents involving nationals of both countries — even more so in tune with recent tensions.
The Nigerian government explains the need to create an Early Warning Mechanism in reaction to attacks on Nigerians in South Africa. Both countries have pledged to prevent such occurrences and assure the safety of their citizens abroad.
Subsequently delivered during the launch of the BNC session a joint communique read out by South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola, echoed the urgency of finnishing the MoU. Part 2: We agreed on the South African Minister visit to be February/April and we would sign the MoU at that time; next month.
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So alongside these developments, both nations have united in their response to the escalating crisis in the Middle East by calling for a ceasefire and resumption diplomatic negotiations right now. Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has increasingly called for economic integration and shared prosperity to propel African growth, promising a strategic partnership between the two nations.
