Africa
African immigration policy and labor market updates
Key trends shaping Africa's labor and immigration landscape
Modernize and digitize
Several policy changes have been introduced, including new exemptions and visa categories as well as plans to modernize and digitize immigration processes. For example in South Africa, measures have been introduced to address processing backlogs and to streamline application processes. In Kenya, new visa categories have been introduced, such as a visa for digital nomads.
Elections
Several parliamentary and presidential elections took place in Africa at the end of 2024, with Botswana, Ghana, and Mauritania seeing a change in government. Whether this will impact people mobility policies remains to be seen.
Country insights
South Africa
Policy changes
The Department of Home Affairs in South Africa extended the validity of the Zimbabwean Exemption Permit (ZEP) until November 28, 2025, complying with the Gauteng High Court ruling. This extension allows ZEP holders to continue authorized activities and cross borders without risk of being declared undesirable, regardless of pending visa processes.
At the same time, to address visa processing backlogs, the Department of Home Affairs in South Africa extended existing concessions for foreign nationals awaiting outcomes of waivers, appeals, and renewals. Pending applications filed by November 30, 2024, are granted visa extensions until March 31, 2025. Eligible foreign nationals may continue their authorized activities and travel internationally with prescribed documentation.
Modernization and digitization
The Department of Home Affairs in South Africa announced plans to digitize the visa process within five years to enhance efficiency. This initiative aims to streamline applications and reduce processing times, making South Africa a more attractive destination for skilled workers.
The Minister of Home Affairs published the Third Amendment of the Immigration Regulations, introducing significant changes to the immigration landscape in South Africa. Key updates include the implementation of a points-based system and the introduction of a Remote Work Visa, reflecting the government’s commitment to modernizing immigration policies.
New concessions
South Africa has simplified its visa process for Nigerian travelers. Nigerian tourists and business visitors can now apply for a visa without submitting a physical passport. Additionally, five-year multiple-entry visas have been introduced to facilitate business and tourism travel between the two nations.
Kenya
Introduction of new visa categories
Kenya introduced the Digital Nomad Work Permit (Class N) for remote workers without a sponsoring entity. Applicants must prove remote employment outside Kenya, have a minimum annual income of $24,000, valid accommodation, and a clean criminal record. Processing fees are $200, and issuance fees are $1,000 annually. Additional permit classes for religious professionals (Class Q), East African citizens (Class R), and international staff (Class P) were also launched, offering tailored pathways with varying costs.
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