The India South Africa Chamber of Commerce (ISACC) said it had a successful meeting with Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber with the chamber being formally recognised by the department as a platform to advance economic growth and support its aims and objectives.
Members of the chamber met with Schreiber and representatives from his department on September 26, the chamber said in a statement.
The chamber had previously said prioritising challenges with visas would deal with the red tape experienced by the travelling public, businesses, students, religious leaders and others.
Ambassador Anil Sooklal (High Commissioner to India, Bangladesh, and Nepal) who was at the meeting touched on issues of international relations and the department, saying that economic diplomacy was crucial in strengthening relations between India and South Africa.
“He congratulated the Minister on his appointment and praised his fresh approach to the Department of Home Affairs.
“The High Commissioner also spoke of the need for enhanced trade and investment between the two countries, emphasising the importance of support from the Department of Home Affairs to achieve this,” the chamber said.
Sooklal mentioned progress made in clearing backlogs at Home Affairs, acknowledging the department’s efforts to improve services like issuing travel documents and visas.
He committed to further improving the efficiency of the missions in issuing visas, with support from the Minister and through streamlining administrative processes.
According to the chamber, Schreiber expressed enthusiasm about the discussions and reaffirmed his department’s commitment to becoming an economic enabler for South Africa.
“He recognised the role of ISACC in supporting economic growth and job creation. On Trusted Tour Operators (TTO), the Minister highlighted that the initiative would pre-vet tourists, provide security clearance, and prevent overstaying, streamlining the visa process for group travel.
“While constrained by current legal frameworks, the Minister emphasised the use of available tools to address visa challenges before laws are amended.”
The chamber said Schreiber spoke about plans to implement remote working visas and develop a scarce skills visa system using a point-based scoring system with approvals processed within 30 days.
“The minister said the backlog in visa processing has already been reduced by 60%, and the department is embarking on a Digitisation Process, similar to India’s Aadhar System, which could expedite visa applications and approvals via digital platforms.”
ISAAC President Rahul Kaushik shared insights on the chamber’s role in facilitating and promoting business investments and trade between India and South Africa.
“He outlined the challenges related to visas including BRICS business visas, tourist visas, student study visas, work permits, special skills visas, and religious and cultural visas and the need for a 10-year multiple entry business visa for large investors.
“He also spoke about the loss of significant investment opportunities due to visa and permit-related issues, impacting economic growth and the importance of the department in addressing these challenges, with a more visible presence in India,” the chamber said.
It said the outcomes of the meeting were fruitful with Schreiber saying he would provide a designated point of interaction for further engagement with ISAAC.
“ISAAC will be formally recognised by the Department of Home Affairs as a platform to advance economic growth and support its aims and objectives.”
The Mercury