The introduction of a remote-working visa is part of broader reforms aimed at improving the country’s labor market and attracting global talent
South Africa’s plans to introduce a “nomad visa” for remote workers have been delayed due to tax-related complications. Announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa in 2022, the visa aims to attract highly skilled professionals to live and work in the country for up to six months. This initiative would allow individuals earning at least 1 million rand annually to stay in South Africa without being taxed.
Despite the initial excitement surrounding the visa, the rollout has encountered significant roadblocks. The government’s first attempt to introduce the visa stalled because it failed to meet mandatory public consultation requirements. Since then, officials have worked to resolve these issues, but now tax regulations present a fresh hurdle. Leon Schreiber, the country’s Home Affairs Minister, stated that these tax-related matters must be addressed before the visa can be implemented.
Until the tax issues are resolved, the much-anticipated visa remains on hold. The government has assured that once the regulatory changes are made, the program will move forward
South Africa’s complex work permit system, which can take more than a year to process, has been a long-standing issue for businesses and professionals alike. The delay in rolling out the nomad visa adds another challenge to an already slow process. Both the presidency and the nation’s leading business organizations have flagged this as a critical obstacle to economic growth.
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