Business leaders in the UK capital have reportedly complained to the UK Government that the current visit visa regime is hampering economic growth, and that the visa process is too cumbersome. There were also calls from the London Arts scene, to simplify the system, as they reportedly find it problematic to bring performing artists to the UK.
South Africans who travel to the UK to visit, are expected to apply for a visit visa, since the visit visa requirement was extended to South African nationals in July 2009. This means that South Africans have to apply for a visit visa in one of the fifteen visit visa categories, before they leave for the UK. Furthermore, if you want to visit the UK for a business visit and do some holidaying whilst you are there, you will be expected to apply for two different kind of visit visas!
Fortunately, all of this is going to change in April 2015. The UK Government has announced that it will simplify the current visit visa system, by reducing the number of visit categories, from fifteen categories to only four. In future, it will also be possible to use the same visit visa for a greater range of activities, such as holidaying and attending business meetings.
The four categories will apparently consist of a standard visa available to tourists; a visa available to persons undertaking paid engagements such as performances, concerts and theatre appearances; a visa for persons coming to the UK to enter into civil partnerships or marriages; and a category that will cover persons who transits through the UK.
In the meantime, it is important to keep in mind that the current visit visa regime is still in place, and that there are very strict rules, specifically relating to business visits. South Africans are therefore advised to seek advice if they specifically want to visit the UK for business purposes.
BIC will inform clients as soon as more information is released by the UK Home Office, regarding the new visit visa system.
For more information or advice, please contact your BIC consultant at info@bic-immigration.com or visit the website.
