Cabinet committee to address complaints about new immigration measures

Source: Wyndham Hartley – Business Day, 12/08/2015

PRESIDENT Jacob Zuma and his Cabinet bowed to pressure on the new
immigration regulations, which are said to be damaging tourism and the
country`s economy, by establishing a special interministerial
committee to address complaints about the measures.


The Tourism Business Council of SA on Wednesday said it had been
anticipating this move for some time and was pleased that progress was
being made.


The council has been one of the most vocal agitators against the
regulations.


There have been numerous reports of reductions in tourist arrivals,
particularly from emerging markets, to the country. The tourism sector
has largely attributed this drop to the new measures, which require
prospective visitors to have their biometric data captured in person
at South African missions in their home countries. Also, those
travelling with minors have to be in possession of unabridged birth
certificates.


Mr Zuma on Tuesday chose to take the unprecedented step of delivering
a mid-year review of progress made on the undertakings in his state of
the nation address in February. While Mr Zuma suggested that there
should always be a mid-year update, his move has all the
characteristics of a charm offensive following scathing criticism of
his economic leadership.


Mr Zuma said: "We have also noted with concern, the complaints about
the new visa regulations. I would like to announce the establishment
of the interministerial committee (IMC) on immigration regulations.
"The IMC will address the unintended consequences of the new
immigration regulations on various sectors, including tourism and
investment."


He explained that the committee will be chaired the government`s "Mr
Fix-it", Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa, and would include the
ministers of tourism, home affairs, trade and industry, social
development and small business development.


Council CE Mmatsatsi Ramawela said: "The lack of extensive industry
consultation is one of the issues which we believe has led to the
current standoff between business and the Department of Home
Affairs.


"Apart from leveraging on platforms afforded to us by organisations
such as the International Air Transport Association and Business Unity
South Africa, we have never had the opportunity to make direct
representations to the minister of home affairs. However, through the
IMC, we hope there will be an opportunity for us to share a travel and
tourism private sector perspective on this important issue."
Mr Zuma also turned to another outstanding matter — National Police
Commissioner Riah Phiyega`s response to the requirement that she
inform him why she was fit to hold onto her job.


"The implementation of the report on the tragic incidents that took
place in Marikana, leading to the killing of more than 44 people, is
receiving top priority. The response of the national police
commissioner to the recommendations of the commission about her
fitness to hold office is receiving attention," Mr Zuma said.





He was also in discussion with the ministers whose portfolios were
affected by the Marikana report, including police, labour, mineral
resources, as well as justice and correctional services.


Political analyst Steven Friedman said there was nothing new in Mr
Zuma`s statement but welcomed the increased urgency in taking action
in the mines.


Mr Zuma had stressed that engagements would continue with the mining
sector, which is being threatened with massive job losses.
Mr Friedman said "but you cannot deal with job losses in an aging
industry by tinkering at the edges — there has to be an
acknowledgement of less people in employment and a plan on how to deal
with that".


Democratic Alliance leader Mmusi Maimane said Mr Zuma`s update was
nothing more than a PR stunt aimed at repairing the damage of his
performance during last week`s oral questions session in Parliament.