In a bid to attract skilled foreign workers, South Africa has greenlit the implementation of its digital nomad visa regulations, extending employment opportunities to individuals from abroad, including Nigerians.
Under the newly approved policy, foreign professionals earning an annual income surpassing R1 million ($53,665) become eligible for visa relocation to South Africa.
President Cyril Ramaphosa highlighted the significance of this initiative, stating, “The introduction of a remote working visa responds to the rapidly evolving world of work, where increasing numbers of skilled workers, notably in the tech industry, are attracted by the lifestyle benefits of working from a remote location.”
Ramaphosa emphasized that the policy also caters to digital nomads, individuals capable of working virtually from any corner of the globe. Such remote workers, employed by foreign companies, can now obtain visas to operate from South Africa.
The government had previously sought public feedback when draft regulations for these visas were published last month. While some South Africans welcomed the digital nomad visa, anticipating an influx of foreign talent into the local tech ecosystem, others expressed concerns about potential repercussions, including increased living costs, inequality, and tax evasion.
Despite mixed public opinion, the bill has successfully transitioned into law and is set to take effect this year.
South Africa’s adoption of the digital nomad visa aligns with similar initiatives introduced by various countries worldwide, including Canada, the Czech Republic, Japan, Spain, and South Korea. Additionally, South Africa joins a growing number of African nations offering remote work visas, alongside the Seychelles, Cape Verde, Namibia, and Mauritius.
