South Africa has announced the relaxation of visa rules for Nigerian tourists and business people, marking a significant step toward enhancing bilateral ties between the two nations.
President Cyril Ramaphosa revealed the new measures on Tuesday at the opening of the 11th session of the Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC) in Cape Town. The event was attended by Nigerian President Bola Tinubu and other dignitaries.
Under the revised policy, Nigerian tourists can now apply for a South African visa without submitting their passports. Additionally, qualifying Nigerian business people will be eligible for five-year multiple-entry visas, streamlining travel and promoting economic exchange.
“Our efforts to create a favorable environment include our simplified visa process for Nigerian business people to travel to South Africa,” President Ramaphosa said. “Qualifying Nigerian business people can be granted a five-year multiple-entry visa.”
The South African leader also underscored his government’s commitment to addressing barriers to investment and supporting companies operating in both
countries.
As the two nations celebrate 30 years of diplomatic relations, President Ramaphosa highlighted the potential for deeper economic cooperation. “Nigeria is host to a number of South African companies, and South Africa has always been open to Nigerian business,” he said. “But there is much more we need to do to remove the remaining constraints to greater investment and address the challenges companies face.”
He commended Nigeria’s recent reforms aimed at creating a business-friendly environment and emphasized South Africa’s ongoing efforts to improve the ease of doing business.
“We want to enable investors to operate, trade, and pursue opportunities in various sectors,” he added, encouraging more Nigerian companies to invest in South Africa.
President Ramaphosa also discussed the upcoming G20 Leaders’ Summit, which will be held on African soil for the first time. He pledged to prioritize Africa’s development and advance the African Union’s Agenda 2063 on the global stage.
“It is our view that in shaping global discourse, programs should be tailored to ensure that in our societies, no one is left behind,” Ramaphosa said.
The relaxed visa rules and commitment to strengthening bilateral ties are expected to boost trade, investment, and cultural exchanges between South Africa and Nigeria, paving the way for a more prosperous partnership.
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