Kenyans will now receive visas on arrival into South Africa after the country revised its immigration policy.
South African Tourism Minister Derek Hanekom revealed the plans noting that Kenya will be among countries whose citizens will apply for E-Visas that will be issued upon arrival.
The new policy will exempt more countries from visa requirements when entering South Africa in a bid to grow its tourism sector.
The move comes as good news to Kenyans travelling to South Africa since in the past, they decried stringent visa requirements prompting a series of meetings between President Uhuru Kenyatta and former President Jacob Zuma.
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Notably, South Africa agreed to ease visa restrictions on Kenyan students.
Stringent visa restrictions by South Africa against Kenyans in recent years have extended to the issuance of work permits, forcing many professionals to relocate.
The two countries have been in talks for a while and at some point, Kenya threatened to reintroduce visa application for South African passport holders before coming into the country.
Meanwhile, the Ruler of Dubai and Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum announced a new visa system which will allow some sought-after professionals to stay up to 10 years in the country.
Doctors, engineers and specialists in medical, technical and research fields will be able to apply for the new 10-year visas, as well as all scientists and innovators in Dubai.
Five-year residency visas will also be brought in for students in the UAE, and they’ll be extended to 10 years for exceptional students.
[caption caption="HH Sheikh Mohammed"]
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The announcement is of benefit to Kenya which has become an increasingly important trading partner for the United Arab Emirates, in addition to being the major supplier of oil to Kenya.
