Following the long term plea of Lesotho to South Africa on the consideration of VISA granting for Basotho, the Minister of International Relations and Corporation for South Africa, Mr. Ronald Lamola has on behalf of the President of South Africa mentioned that the government of South African is yet to consider the 90 days VISA agreement that Lesotho has made a request on.
He mentioned that there are many Basotho working in South Africa whose skills can well be utilized by South Africa therefore this consideration will highly come beneficial to both countries.
In his remarks at the second session of the Binational Commission Prime Minister Matekane said that the expectation of Lesotho is to have the VISA implementation to resume in May, 01.
He stated that such will allow for the two countries to have free movement as well as free trade opportunities.
The free movement between Lesotho and South Africa is a unique and complex issue due to their geographic and historical relationship.
There have been ongoing discussions about deepening integration, possibly moving toward freer movement or even a customs and monetary union.
However, issues such as illegal migration, border control, and economic disparities complicate any move toward full free movement.
Both countries are part of SACU (Southern African Customs Union) and SADC (Southern African Development Community), which aim to facilitate regional integration.
Source : Lesotho News Agency 23/4/2025
