The newly appointed Minister of the Department of Home Affairs, Dr. Leon Schreiber, held a pivotal meeting with key stakeholders in South Africa's business community. The session, scheduled by Business Unity South Africa (BUSA) and Business Leadership South Africa (BLSA), included the attendance of senior team members such as Director General of the Department of Home Affairs, Mr. Makhode.

The session focused on areas such as encouraging foreign direct investment, increased tourism and mobilising skills which in turn creates employment.  

Marisa Jacobs, Managing Director of Xpatweb and a Business Representative on the National Economic Development and Labour Council (NEDLAC) immigration and migration committee, represented various stakeholders at the session. 

Jacobs highlighted several key takeaways from the session – 

Minister's Grasp on Critical Issues: The Minister demonstrated a solid understanding of the most pressing concerns faced by the Department of Home Affairs. 

Various Initiatives: The Minister outlined several initiatives and plans aimed at addressing the future of immigration policies in South Africa. His proactive approach signals a commitment to implementing effective solutions. He touched on the successful implementation of the Trusted Employer Scheme and leveraging the success for more companies on a long-term basis. 

Addressing the Backlog: The Minister stated that he is unwavering in his pledge of support from the Department of Home Affairs as an enabler for business. He again emphasised the importance of clearing the current backlog, with a goal to resolve it by the end of the year. This will allow the department to focus on other crucial areas in 2025, including streamlining systems to prevent future backlogs.

Broader Economic Impact: The discussion highlighted that the Minister is not solely focused on visa regulations. He is also focused on the broader implications of immigration policies on sectors such as foreign investment and tourism. His commitment to enabling tourism and other economic sectors underscores his comprehensive approach to his role.

The Ministers Accessibility and Consultative Approach: The Minister is by far the most accessible and consultative Minister of Home Affairs in the past two decades. This openness is a significant advantage for the business community, providing them with a channel for effective communication and collaboration.

This session marks a promising step forward in fostering a collaborative relationship between the Department of Home Affairs and South Africa's business sector, paving the way for constructive reforms and enhanced economic growth. The interaction left the business community with a strong sense of optimism, and we now eagerly anticipating further details on the initiatives discussed and the strategic direction he plans to take.

We are looking forward to the Minister’s upcoming presentation at Xpatweb’s Conference, titled “Lunch with the Minister” on 08 August 2024, where he will delve deeper into his vision for the Department of Home Affairs.

Submitted by Xpatweb