United Kingdom Home Secretary, Theresa May, announced this week that the UK will reform its visa system from 1 April 2015 to make the country more attractive to business. The changes, details of which are still to be announced, follow extensive lobbying by UK business leaders.
Jaco van Zyl, Senior Associate at international advisory firm Maitland. said: “The overhaul will reduce the number of visa types available to foreign business travellers and performing artists from 15 to four from April. Business travellers will also be allowed to take a holiday in the UK alongside meetings for the first time whereas previously two visas were required.”
“This is particularly good news for South Africans whose visitor visa applications for the UK have dropped drastically over the last few years as the process became more expensive and more bureaucratic.
“The UK is clearly determined to remain competitive and attractive to overseas business people and entrepreneurs in a bid to drive economic growth. This will surely stimulate trade between the UK and SA allowing South African business people to travel more freely,” said Mr van Zyl.
It remains to be seen whether the visa reform will lead to relaxation of general travel visas. South Africans used to be able to travel to the UK visa free and stay for up to six months as a visitor.
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