Dollar eyes twinkling! South Africa (finally) gets 'remote working visas'
The updated regulations are intended to boost South Africa's tourism industry.
Lester Kiewit speaks to James Vos, Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth for the City of Cape Town.
The government has approved new regulations for remote working or digital nomad visas.
Vos says this is a big win for Cape Town and South Africa.
"I'm very happy with this outcome. We worked hard to ensure this category was covered in the regulations."
- James Vos, City of Cape Town
"More visitors mean more jobs," explains Vos.
When visitors extend their stay and work from Cape Town, 'they spend more money and generate extra revenue streams that flow back into communities', he says.
Approved regulations include working remotely for a foreign company or deriving foreign income from a foreign source.
"Locals won't be displaced from employment, but rather this will help create more jobs for locals," says Vos.
"It's an important way of attracting more visitors that ultimately become investors in our city so that all corners of the city and country can benefit from these remote workers coming here, staying longer and spending more."
- James Vos, City of Cape Town
Some Capetonians are concerned about the impact of digital nomad visas on the price of property, products and services for locals, as businesses vie for dollars and pounds, pricing out consumers with rands.
"I'm aware of some concerns that this might make products and services more expensive for locals. So, while I have no control over what the private sector charges, I urge our private sector not to outprice our locals as we rely heavily on the domestic market to keep our business doors open and people employed."
- James Vos, City of Cape Town
Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the full conversation.