Johannesburg - The haphazard way in which the Department of Home Affairs implements visa regulations, and the perception that citizens of other African countries are a threat to South Africa, sometimes makes it difficult for such citizens to get visas to visit South Africa for work or holiday.

Although no visa requirements apply to South Africa's neighbouring states, citizens of our principal trading partners and investment destinations struggle to travel here from elsewhere on the continent.

These problems have obliged Nigeria, one of the most important markets in Africa and a burgeoning market for South African companies, recently to introduce similar strict visa requirements for South African citizens.

Two weeks ago, for instance, the new regulations forced Business Unity South Africa to withdraw from a high-profile visit to Nigeria.

Among other things, Nigerians have to pay a deposit of 110 000 naira (about R5 500) when applying for visas, which is refundable when the visa expires. When Nigerian citizens apply for longer-term permits, deposits of more than R11 000 are required, said Julia Willand, a director at Immigration and Consulting South Africa.

In terms of the regulations Home Affairs may demand a "repatriation deposit".

The amount would be similar to the cost of a flight back to the visa applicant's country should he fail to comply with his visa conditions. Similar deposits are also required by other countries, Willand explained.

Business executives wanting to visit South Africa to make new contacts often struggle to get visas because they need a letter of invitation from someone in South Africa who will assume responsibility for them.

Improving 'beyond recognition'

There is also no consistency in policy or practice between the different South African missions and even between South African Home Affairs offices. The requirements imposed consequently differ from country to country and even from office to office, said Willand.

Applicants are regularly asked for employment contracts, credit cards, medical insurance and police clearances, letters from employers and company registration documents - although no provision is made for these in the legislation.

However, Intergate Immigration spokesperson Stuart James pointed out that over the past 12 months Home Affairs has improved almost beyond recognition.

Their processing time is quicker, they are more efficient, skills are improving and there is a willingness to talk to us, he said.

- Sake24.com

For more business news in Afrikaans, visit Sake24.com.