DA applauds Home Affairs Minister’s commitment to fixing work permit system

The DA welcomes the commitment of Minister of Home Affairs, Dr Leon Schreiber, to address the challenges within South Africa's work permit system.

The DA has long championed the resolution of the visa backlog and the implementation of Operation Vulindlela for issuing visas to attract skills, knowledge, and know-how to South Africa, for the benefit of South Africans.

Simplifying the application process, reducing the backlog, and introducing measures like the points system for skilled workers, will not only attract valuable talent but also foster a more inclusive and thriving economy. The Reserve Bank has estimated that four local jobs are created per skilled migrant. Contributing to an environment to rescue South Africans from unemployment was the top manifesto pledge of the DA and one that we will pursue with unwavering determination.

Another important element of fixing the work permit system is strengthening the nomad visa regulations. These were passed earlier this year without adequately taking into account the inputs of the public and immigration professionals. The DA therefore welcomes the commitment of Minister Schreiber to establish the Immigration Advisory Board which must include a representative of organised business, organised labour, and up to five other people experienced in immigration law. Such a Board is an essential ingredient to an immigration system that works for all South Africans and that includes organised business and labour.

Minister Schreiber's recognition of the crucial role skilled workers play in economic growth and job creation is a significant step forward to Rescue our broken immigration system and make it an engine of opportunity.