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Biometrics on arrival visa approach more cost effective

Source: Business Day, 30/07/2015


SA SHOULD abandon in-country biometric data capturing in favour of a
"biometrics on arrival" system, Tourism Business Council CE Mmatsatsi
Ramawela said.
The biometrics on arrival approach was more cost effective, said Ms
Ramawela.
The council`s recommendation comes as debate about the country`s new
visa regulations escalated on Wednesday, when Tourism Minister Derek
Hanekom raised his concerns about the rules` impact on visitor arrivals.
The new rules, which were introduced last year, require prospective
visitors to have their biometric data captured at South African
missions abroad when applying for visas. But Ms Ramawela said this was
problematic and discouraging visitors to the country.
The regulations came into effect in May last year, marking the
commencement of the Immigration Amendment Acts of 2007 and 2011.
Ms Ramawela explained: "Biometric data can be efficiently collected on
arrival through various biometric readers or collection points at the
immigration centre. Home Affairs must implement a visitor-friendly
visa regime. This includes ensuring that visa processing staff are
welcoming, friendly and act in the best interest of the country in
terms of ensuring security. But also ensuring that economic benefits
are maximised through tourism revenue."
Mr Hanekom told 702 radio on Wednesday that the country "need(s) to
find a better way of doing it (implementing visa regulations). The
impact is not only on tourism but on investment into the country as well".
Supporting the minister`s view, Ms Ramawela said: " We have said right
from the beginning that these regulations, particularly the
requirement for children under 18 years to travel with unabridged
birth certificates, are not in tune with global trends.
"Considering how other destinations, that are serious about growing
their tourism economy, are addressing the same security challenges
that South Africa is grappling with, we are extremely concerned."
Home Affairs Minister Malusi Gigaba, who has championed the new
regulations despite the growing resistance, told a local radio station
on Wednesday that the opprobrium stemming from the new rules was
"self-generated doubt".


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