News Articles

Work permits for Tata staff to be fast-tracked

Source: Business Day - Linda Ensor, 22/09/2015


TATA International, a subsidiary of the Indian Tata group of
companies, has reached an agreement with the Department of Home
Affairs to get the processing of the documentation required for its
employees fast-tracked.


The group has ambitious plans to expand its interests in SA and the
rest of the continent but in the past has been frustrated by the
length of time it took — up to six months — to get the necessary visas
and work permits for its staff. Tata International eventually resorted
to locating some of its staff in Tanzania for this reason.


Tata Africa Holdings chief financial officer Behram Sabawala said the
senior leadership of Tata International had met with the director
general of the department Mkhuseli Apleni and senior departmental
offficials.


"Tata International is pleased that we have been presented with an
opportunity to build a solid relationship with the South African
government, through the Department of Home Affairs," Mr Sabawala said.
"Our commitment to SA and the continent remains long term and it is
our stated desire to play a prominent role in the growth of this
vibrant economy."


The Tata group`s interests in Africa span 13 countries in sectors
including engineering, chemicals, services, steel, energy, information
and communications technology.


"Our interaction with Home Affairs was very encouraging and it gave us
a clear sign that the South African government is eager to ensure that
businesses, foreign and local, are provided with an essential
environment to grow," Mr Sabawala said.


"We were also heartened to discover that the department has made good
strides in terms of the visa regime for foreign companies operating in
SA."


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