Please also read:
- The Gigaba Question: more than just a threat to tourism – This Tourism Week, 20 August, 2014
- Visas: well, what have YOU done about it? – This Tourism Week, 29 August, 2014
- And watch this video on Biznews.com: What skills shortage? Baffling new Visa regime beggars belief
Statement: Minister Alan Winde to petition Parliament to suspend new Immigration laws
31 August 2014
Tomorrow, at the start of Tourism Month, Alan Winde, Minister of Economic Opportunities, will formally petition Parliament to suspend the newly implemented immigration regulations.
Minister Winde said the visa regulations would have disastrous consequences for the whole economy. Local businesses were already dealing with the fallout.
“I have been receiving correspondence from residents in the tourism industry from across the Western Cape. They have been informed by their international clients to brace themselves for a drastic drop in business as a result of these regulations. I have been told that some of our key sources markets will no longer be marketing South Africa as destination.
“It is not only the tourism industry that will be affected. These regulations will impact on every sector of our economy, including in film, business process outsourcing, visits for medical purposes and volunteerism. It is also now much harder for foreign nationals to enter the country to conduct business here. In a country where the national unemployment rate is climbing, we simply cannot afford laws that will result in job losses,” said Minister Winde.
Minister Winde will appeal to Parliament to intervene and suspend the regulations for 12 months and at least until an impact assessment can be conducted.
The Constitution provides for the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces to receive petitions, representations or submissions on grievances or issues of public concern.
