In a historic move, South Africa has announced Visa Rules that will allow ease of movement for Kenyans. The High Commissioner of South Africa said the agreement was reached during bi-lateral talks.
Long term visas will now be available from three to five years to students, patients, academics and business people.
Members of parliament and other Kenyans in the recent past have complained about the restrictive visa requirements, yet South Africans do not need visas to visit Kenya.
The commissioner, Koleka Mqulwana pointed out that South Africa did not target Kenyans but simply had challenges with its borders and that the country was simply policing criminals, drug and human traffickers who had been using Kenyan soil to access the South African borders.
The new rules will be a relief for students as they will not be required to travel to Kenya to renew their visas. Their parents will also be able to enjoy long term visas.
Businesses will have their visas adjusted from the current six months to a year and extended upon verification of their applications.
Visa fees have also been reduced from Sh 6,800 to Sh 4,700.
