Amid plans to simplify visa processes for Nigerian tourists, conflicting statements raise questions about actual requirements as South Africa seeks to strengthen its ties with Nigeria. Photographer: Leon Lestrade / Independent Newspapers.
Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola has clarified that Nigerian tourists will still need to submit a passport when applying for their visas to South Africa.
This revelation emerged during a media interview on Wednesday, just a day after President Cyril Ramaphosa suggested a major shift in the visa application process.
Speaking at the 11th session of the Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC) held in Cape Town and attended by Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Ramaphosa unveiled plans for a simplified five-year multiple-entry visa aimed at enhancing travel between Nigeria and South Africa.
The president emphasised his government’s commitment to facilitating both business and leisure visits, thereby promoting increased investment and tourism between the two nations.
“We want to enable investors to promote and operate their businesses in a manner that will enable them to pursue various opportunities in various sectors of the economy,” Ramaphosa had said.
He expressed hope for a surge in Nigerian products and investments within the South African market, stating: “We want to see more Nigerian products on the shelves of South African shops.”
However, Lamola’s comments on Wednesday painted a more complex picture.
During an interview with Newzroom Afrika, he reiterated that while the application process for a visa may become more streamlined and accessible online, the need for a physical passport submission remains intact. “The new regulations are meant to ensure practicality. However, this does not mean that a passport will not be required.
“Once the processes have been done through the systems, it means the application can now be done online. Once the visa has been approved, a person will still have to submit their passport,” Lamola explained.
The conflicting statements have raised questions about the level of communication within the government and how the new regulations will be implemented moving forward.
With Ramaphosa and Tinubu both advocating for a strengthened bilateral relationship, the importance of clarity and mutual understanding cannot be overstated.
In his closing remarks, Tinubu echoed the spirit of cooperation, stressing the importance of deepening ties and trade relations.
“As Nigeria, we are grateful for the support we have received from our South African partner. We look forward to continuing working with South Africa in a mutually beneficial manner. We have no reason to fail or let down our people. We are committed to working with you,” he stated.
Economic experts were optimistic about the recent announcement as both nations look towards a future of enhanced collaboration which will enhance the success and economic ties between the two nations.
The process was also confirmed by Ramaphosa’s office in a statement on Tuesday saying the Presidency wishes to clarify a misunderstanding that appears to have arisen from President Cyril Ramaphosa’s opening remarks at the SA-Nigeria Bi-National Commission on Tuesday (December 3, 2024) about the simplified visa process for Nigerian nationals.
Spokesperson for the President’s office, Vincent Magwenya said the new process will not compromise the integrity of the visa system.
“Prospective travellers can apply for their visas without submitting their passports along with their applications – at the time of application, they are only required to submit certified copies of the biopage of their passports, and their actual passports should also be availed during the application process for verification and confirmation.
“Once a visa has been approved, they are required to submit their passports for the process to be completed and for the visa to be affixed in the passport.These changes have improved the customer experience while ensuring the security and integrity of the overall visa application process,” Magwenya said.
The Star
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