South Africa has introduced new visa regulations for skilled foreign remote workers, opening up possibilities for the country to start issuing digital nomad visas to foreigners who earn over R1m a year (about $53,665) and are interested in moving to South Africa.

While there has been no official statement from the country regarding the development, it has been reported that the digital nomad visa has taken the place of the critical skills visa.

In the new regulations drafted and published in February, the Minister of Home Affairs, Aaron Motsoaled, invites the public to share feedback and comments that will shape the eventual outcome of the visa. Deadline for submissions is set for March 29.

Some locals have reacted differently to the move, with some seeing the digital nomad visa as a way to attract international tech talent, while others fear it may lead to higher living costs and tax complications.

One of the concerns raised is whether the minimum salary requirement of R1,000,000 ($52,575) refers to gross or net income, and if freelancers would be eligible for the visa.

Speaking about the new regulations in February, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa highlighted the necessity for the country to have more skilled individuals to succeed in the changing global economy.

South Africa's introduction of the digital nomad visa would bring it in line with other countries on the continent that provide remote work visas like Cape Verde, Mauritius, the Seychelles, and Namibia.