The South African government has given a clear indication it is ready to loosen its grip on immigration rules concerning foreign investors and entrepreneurs.
HumanIPO has reported repeatedly on the difficulties foreign investors have in gaining entry to the country, with many saying it can push them towards looking at other African countries such as Kenya and Nigeria.
Home Affairs Minister Naledi Pandor presented her budget vote during a public committee of the National Assembly yesterday (Thursday) where she said the country would do well to provide better guidance on the numbers of people desired and skills needed.
Pandor said: “We want those with the right skills to come here. The investors and the entrepreneurs who will create the businesses and the jobs of tomorrow, and the scientists who will help keep South Africa at the heart of the great advances in medicine, biotech, advanced manufacturing and communications.
“They merit a permit policy that shows we are ready to compete with other countries for global talent.”
Pandor said in 2011, 1,346 visas were issued to entrepreneurs and they are on track to increase that number.
She added they were working on efficiency in the issuing of permits, with the slow and confusing sytember also currently putting off multinational companies.
HumanIPO reported in January a large proportion of IT jobs in South Africa were being outsourced to foreign nationals.
Pandor said: “I’m aware that some companies prefer to use staff from their overseas headquarters in their South African branches.
“Government has an obligation to promote job creation and skills development for South Africans. Our immigration system must help us to respond to this challenge while also welcoming investment.”
In an exclusive interview with HumanIPO last month, the Democratic Alliance’s shadow finance minister decried the state of business regulation in South Africa which currently puts off foreign investors.
Although not discussing immigration Harris, also a member of the Silicon Cape executive committee, said attracting foreign investment especially in the technology entrepreneur space would be beneficial to creating jobs.
