“Effective from 23 December 2014, as authorized by section 10A of the Immigration Act of 2002, I have approved the issuance of port of entry visas to BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India and China) business executives for up to 10 years, with each visit not to exceed 30 days,” said Home Affairs Minister, Malusi Gigaba.

The long-term visa applies to diplomatic, official/service and ordinary passport holders.

Making the announcement during a media briefing held in Cape Town on Thursday, Minister Gigaba said the approval follows previous efforts to ease travel of BRICS business people to South Africa, such as a directive last year waiving the requirement to provide proof of financial means to BRICS businesspeople, which provided a Note Verbale as part of their visa application.

He noted that prior to making the announcement; they have extensively consulted the Department of Trade and Industry as well as the BRICS Business Council.

Available: http://www.sanews.gov.za/south-africa/brics-business-executives-receive-long-term-visa