Marisa Jacobs, Managing Director at Xpatweb, says this points to an environment conducive to economic growth and will strengthen efforts by key role players such as the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) in positioning itself as an engine to achieve higher growth. Minister of Home Affairs, Dr Leon Schreiber, said on several occasions that the DHA is committed to this goal by focusing on job creation and the enhancement of immigration policies.
Referring to some notable developments and directives already actioned in this regard in 2024, Jacobs outlines 4 priorities for 2025 which has the potential to put South Africa on a sustained upward growth trajectory.
SA’s G20 Presidency must be fully harnessed
This year shines the international spotlight on South Africa as we assumed the G20 Presidency. It opens the door to promote the country as a hub for global talent and entrepreneurship, encouraging skilled workers in high demand, business leaders, and investors to come and do business here.
The G20 member countries are among the world’s largest economies, accounting for 85% of global gross domestic product (GDP), over 75% of international trade and about two-thirds of the world population. Esteemed company indeed.
2025 will see several G20 related working groups meeting in South Africa, culminating in a landmark summit in Johannesburg in November. This is the first time a G20 summit will be hosted in Africa, offering a unique opportunity to showcase not only South Africa’s beauty and business offering, but the Africa continent’s potential as well.
Rolling out the red carpet, ensuring smooth travel to and in South Africa and efficiency in assisting all the high-level delegates during this time is our chance to shine and make a lasting impact.
Attracting more skilled foreign professionals
South Africa’s immigration policy plays a vital role in driving economic growth as it enables companies to recruit professionals with scarce skills from abroad, and removing barriers such as onerous visa requirements for international tourists.
A significant legislative intervention by the DHA as part of reforming the Visa regime, was the introduction of the Remote Work Visa in October 2024. This brings South Africa in line with almost 50 countries worldwide who attract highly skilled remote workers, or so-called digital nomads who can choose from where in the world they want to work.
This visa category holds huge potential, and DHA is already taking part in initiatives to market South Africa as a preferred destination for remote workers. The more successful these efforts, the more foreigners will come to live and work in South Africa, spending money in the economy, help foster a more innovative and globally connected economy, pass on some of their high-level skills to locals and spreading a positive message about South Africa.
Immigration Advisory Board (IAB) welcomed
The re-establishment of the IAB, as announced by Minister Schreiber shortly after he took office in 2024, will bring transparency and predictability in the adjudication of visa applications.
Members of the board will be appointed based on their knowledge, experience, and involvement in law, adjudication, control, or enforcement, thus ensuring proper consultative and evidence-based counsel to the Minister following proper consultation and deliberations.
This is an important development in addressing the intricate challenges of immigration policy, concerns regarding inefficiency, and possible favouritism in the visa process. The benefits of transparency in this regard to attract global talent to South Africa cannot be understated.
Reaping the full benefits of AI
The DHA’s top priorities for the next five years, include digitally transforming the department through automation and advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), which will help enhance efficiency of frontline office operations by reducing time spent on routine tasks. In Minister Schreiber’s words: “The vision directs that all of the department’s services must become fully automated, digitised and offered online at the fingertips of our clients, from the comfort of their own homes.”
The Minister has stated on record that there are resource challenges within his department, with only 40% of the staff required to provide adequate services under the current model. This requires clients to physically visit offices for even the most routine transactions.
Embracing digital transformation will enable clients to access departmental services wherever they are, bringing efficiencies and reducing costs. We can expect to see the benefits of a transformed DHA into a digital-first, world-class institution in the medium to long term. We should look with interest at the upcoming Budget Speech for allocations to support DHA’s automation agenda.
In closing
All in all, an exciting year ahead for Home Affairs promising various initiatives and new technologies to be introduced for the benefit of DHA employees, citizens, everyone using departmental services and last but not least, South Africa as a whole.
