South Africa is looking to capitalize on the growing trend of remote work by attracting "digital nomads" to its shores, hoping to boost tourism and inject dynamism into the local economy.

The South African Department of Home Affairs has released draft amendments to current immigration regulations, which include two new visa categories: a visa for remote work and a visa for essential skills. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the news in his newsletter last week. 

"A remote worker who wants to work in South Africa while being employed by a foreign company will be able to receive such a visa. [...] International experience shows that employees with critical skills contribute to improved productivity, enhanced innovation, and improving the competitiveness of the firms they work for," he wrote.  

To be eligible for the remote work visa, digital nomads must meet several criteria, including qualifications, language skills, professional experience, and a job offer. They must also have a minimum annual income of at least 1 million rand (around $53,088) to live adequately in the country. 

Countries such as Cape Verde, Mauritius, and the Seychelles are already offering this type of visa to tap into the rich market of 35 million digital nomads worldwide. The Western Cape Government has invited public comment on the proposed amendments

Adoni Conrad Quenum