South Africa may ease visa norms for skilled Indians

In a bid to attract skilled Indian workforce, South Africa is considering giving special visa with relaxed norms to make it easier for them to work in the country and is close to signing an agreement with India.

"Currently, South Africa is facing shortage of manpower not only in the field of information technology, but also in areas of municipal management and education. We are looking at Indians to meet the shortage and who can act as mentors,"

South African Minister in Presidency for Government Communication and Information System Essop Goolam Pahad said in Johannesburg.

Pahad said South Africa was considering special visa for teachers, engineers and technically trained people with specialised expertise from India.

"Our ministry of public service and administration is close to signing an agreement with the Indian counterpart," he added.

"The current visa condition does not allow businessmen to do business with other countries when they come here.We need to address that issue as well," he added.

Asked if there were any specific number of workforce that South Africa would like to attract from India and the number of visas that may be considered, he said the specifics were being worked out.

"Right now we are looking at the details and the specific areas where we would like to give preference," he added.

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