Cape Town: The Department of Trade, Industry, and Competition (the dtic) has launched the Business Visa Recommendation System (VRS), an online platform for business visa recommendation applications. The VRS is aimed at all foreign business owners applying for first, extension, and/or permanent residence recommendation in terms of the Immigration Act 13 of 2002. ‘Business visa applicants will benefit from a more effective, transparent, and user-friendly application process that goes live today,’ the dtic said on Monday.
According to South African Government News Agency, the Acting Deputy Director-General of Investment and Special Industrial Development at the dtic, Yunus Hoosen, stated that the main objective of the system is to enhance efficiency for business visa applicants, including faster processing, convenience, and transparency. ‘The VRS replaces the email application process with a digital platform, improving efficiency and accessibility for global investors looking to reside in South Africa for the purpose of establishing, expanding, and/or investing in businesses.’
Hoosen also highlighted that this initiative is part of ongoing efforts to reduce red tape and simplify the ease of doing business in South Africa. ‘From an administrative viewpoint, the VRS is a solution for collecting, managing, and reviewing applications online. In addition, it eliminates incomplete applications from being submitted, provides monitoring of applications received and finalized, and provides investment-related information needed for reporting and planning, amongst others,’ he added.
The VRS aligns with South Africa’s broader e-governance initiatives, which aim to improve accessibility to government services through digital transformation. ‘The VRS marks a significant milestone in modernizing the country’s investment facilitation framework, reinforcing South Africa’s commitment to fostering a business-friendly environment,’ said the dtic.
Key features of the VRS include online submission allowing applicants to submit business visa applications digitally for first, extension, and permanent recommendations. Required supporting documents can be uploaded directly to the system. Applicants can monitor the progress of their applications through real-time tracking, and automated notifications will communicate updates and final recommendations through the system.
For more information, visit: https://vrs.thedtic.gov.za/.