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The DA will be keeping a close eye on the Department of Home Affairs (DHA), who today committed to finalising the implementation of the remote working visa in June of this year, with the State Law Advisor approval process already under way.

This was revealed by DHA during a presentation to the Western Cape Standing Committee on Finance, Economic Opportunities and Tourism.

The Western Cape Department of Economic Development and Tourism has been advocating for the implementation of such a visa for years. The implementation of a remote working visa is a no-brainer, as it brings remote workers with a stable income to our shores to provide a boost to the local economy by spending their money on accommodation, food, and entertainment.

The Vulindlela report on visa reform, which I have received today, despite already writing to the president in February, confirms as much, and recommends the implementation of a remote working visa with suitable requirements such as proof of employment, a minimum level of income, and health insurance.

I am hopeful that Home Affairs will stick to their commitment, as this will help to boost job creation in our province. It must be noted, however, that such commitments from ANC-led National Government departments often aren’t worth all that much.

As such, I will keep abreast of the progress made in implementation, and I will write to DHA in June to follow up on the implementation of remote working visas, including the mechanisms that can be used to apply when applications will go live.

The DA will make sure that this shortcut to economic growth is implemented as soon as possible, and will use every mechanism available to hold DHA to account should they not live up to their commitment.

Issued by Cayla Murray, MPP - DA Western Cape Spokesperson on Finance, Economic Opportunities and Tourism