SA proposes 10-year business visa deal with India

Keen to promote tourism and business ties, South Africa on Wednesday asked India to consider granting business visa with multiple entries for ten years on reciprocal basis. Laying down this proposal during his meeting with Home Minister Rajnath Singh, his South African counterpart Malusi Nkanyezi Gigaba said his country is interested in reaching e-Tourist Visa and Visa facilitation agreements as it would strengthen business and tourism ties. "I would recommend business visa with multiple entry for a period of 10 years on the basis of reciprocity," he told Singh. Gigaba told Singh that South Africa has taken steps to check visas being obtained with false documents and is also working to improve domestic security environment. Singh on his part said there is great potential to improve trade and tourism, given the two countries’ mutual interests, while also underscoring the importance of immigration and visa in any meaningful cooperative efforts. "There have been friendly ties between both the countries and enhanced cooperation in diverse areas, including commercial and economic relations," he said.Singh told the South African Minister that India is committed to have meaningful cooperation between both the countries so that challenges can be adequately addressed. "India adopts a holistic approach that ensures 'zero tolerance' towards terrorism and it is committed to combating terrorism and extremism and to ensure that perpetrators of terrorist acts, their masterminds and conspirators are brought to justice," the Union Home Minister added. Acknowledging that South Africa is India’s “important” partner "historically, politically, commercially and culturally", Singh believed both countries can build a stronger and more effective partnership for the safety and prosperity of their communities and for global peace. http://www.deccanherald.com/content/488262/sa-proposes-10-year-business.html