A cross-section of Rwandans have raised concerns over the difficulties involved in obtaining visas to travel to South Africa, the most affected being students, businesses and patients seeking medical attention.

The affected Rwandans are now urging the government to consider reciprocating the visa policy on South Africans visiting the country. Currently, all South Africans travelling to Rwanda get their visas at the point of entry into the country.

A female local journalist was last year invited for a journalists’ annual forum in Johannesburg, South Africa but her trip did not materialise after she failed to obtain a visa from the Kacyiru-based High Commission.

The journalist who preferred anonymity said:

"It was very depressing for me and the organisation I represent. If South Africans are easily coming to Rwanda, why not allow us to freely go to their country?” the journalist wondered.

Several Rwandans, through letters and commentaries directed to The New Times and social media platforms, last week expressed their frustration and called upon the government to act accordingly.

Some students who were already in school in South Africa have since suspended studies, while those admitted to various South African universities cannot go because of failure to access visas. Others have consequently lost their scholarships. The impasse has also greatly affected local businesses.

Benjamin Gasamagera, the chairperson of the Private Sector Federation, told The New Times that South Africa’s visa policy on Rwanda had greatly affected the business community.

In his efforts to address the issue, Gasamagera said he had reached out to his South African counterparts and the Rwandan envoy calling for the fast-tracking of the efforts to ensure continued business relations.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw