- Kenya and South Africa have signed a deal that will relax the current strict Visa restrictions of South Africa for Kenyans.
- Strict South African visa restrictions for Kenyan travellers and traders have been a big hindrance to doing business in South Africa.
- This has led to an unfavourable trade balance for Kenya.
Kenya and South Africa have signed a deal that will relax the current strict Visa restrictions of South Africa for Kenyans. Strict South African visa restrictions for Kenyan travellers and traders have been a big hindrance to doing business in South Africa. This has led to an unfavourable trade balance for Kenya. South Africa’s exports to Kenya were around Sh45.7 billion in 2020, against imports of Sh3.48 billion from Kenya.
The visa restrictions have remained a major issue in bilateral discussions for the two countries. Apart from a steep visa processing fee of Sh 5,350, Kenyan Visa applicants must also provide sufficient proof of funds, return flight air tickets and so on. However, South African nationals can get a Kenyan visa for free on arrival to the country. Kenya and South Africa had set up a committee to deal with visa issues following the state visit by President Kenyatta.
The deal also provides for deportation of all illegal migrants including other nationals back to Kenya if there is clear evidence that they entered the country from Kenya. The agreement makes Kenya responsible for blocking all illegal migrants from entering South Africa through Kenya. The deal was agreed upon during the recent state visit of Kenyatta to South Africa. Speaking about the agreement, South African Foreign minister Naledi Pandor said that the new agreement will pave way for granting e-visa, which has been piloted in India.
