A business discussion between key stakeholders marked a significant step forward in enhancing collaboration between South Africa and India, with a focus on addressing key visa challenges and improving economic ties. Ambassador Anil Sooklal, the High Commissioner to India, Nepal and Bangladesh, left, and Harnish Patel, of the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, right, garland Leon Schreiber, the Minister of Home Affairs in South Africa. Picture: Supplied
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THE India South Africa Association Chamber of Commerce (ISACC) has been formally recognised by the Department of Home Affairs to help promote economic growth and support the department's objectives between the two countries.
A business discussion was recently held between key players, including Leon Schreiber, the Minister of Home Affairs; Ambassador Anil Sooklal, South Africa's High Commissioner to India, Bangladesh, and Nepal; and Rahul Kaushik, the President of ISACC, in Cape Town.
The discussions marked a significant step forward in enhancing collaboration between South Africa and India, with a focus on addressing key visa challenges and improving economic ties.
During the discussion, Kaushik outlined ISACC's role in facilitating business investments and trade.
He also highlighted ongoing visa challenges that hindered economic progress, stressing the need for a 10-year multiple-entry business visa for large investors.
"There is a loss of investment opportunities due to these challenges, so there must be a stronger home affairs presence in India to address these issues," said Kaushik.
Jayesh Patel, the treasurer of ISACC, and Clarence Johnson, the assistant treasurer, said South Africa only received only a small percentage of the global Indian tourism market.
"It is vital for tourism to drive economic growth and job creation, and what is also important is bringing back direct flights between India and South Africa to boost tourist numbers," said Patel.
Harinish Patel, of the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, raised concerns about visa issues faced by cultural and religious organisations.
"The chamber could play a pivotal role as a trusted tour operator to manage large delegations, particularly for Hindu cultural and spiritual events, ensuring smooth compliance with visa regulations," he said.
Immigration expert, attorney Katrin Starzman, addressed persistent issues such as corruption, delays, and legal gaps in immigration processes.
Following the meeting, Sooklal emphasised the importance of economic diplomacy to further strengthen bilateral relations. He reiterated the need for the Department of Home Affairs to implement the 2014 BRICS Business Visa Directive and proposed piloting the eVisa system to streamline visa applications.
Sooklal praised the department's progress in improving services and reiterated the importance of increased trade and investment between the two nations.
Schreiber expressed his enthusiasm for these discussions, reaffirming the department's commitment to being a key economic enabler for South Africa.
He recognised ISACC's role in promoting economic growth and job creation and provided updates on plans to implement remote working visas and a scarce skills visa system.
Schreiber also highlighted progress in reducing visa backlogs by 60% as well as the ongoing Digitization Process, modelled after India’s Aadhar System, which will expedite visa processing and approvals.
ISACC was launched by Parks Tau, the Minister of the Department of Trade and Industry in August this year.