{
  "id": 692616,
  "title": "New electronic visa system will help create jobs: Ramaphosa",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/12/new-electronic-visa-system-will-help-create-jobs-ramaphosa",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-12T18:37:21.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "SABC News",
    "slug": "sabc-news",
    "url": "https://www.sabcnews.com/sabcnews/new-electronic-visa-system-will-help-create-jobs-ramaphosa/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has unveiled a new Electronic Travel Authorisation system as part of efforts to combat unemployment. The recently launched system replaces the outdated, paper-based visa processing with a fully digital approach incorporating biometrics and facial recognition technology. According to Ramaphosa, the system will streamline the visa application process, making it easier for investors and tourists to enter South Africa. By enhancing economic openness and national security, the Electronic Travel Authorisation aims to bolster the enforcement of immigration and labour laws, as well as improve border management.\n\nRamaphosa emphasized that the new system is designed to directly address the country's unemployment crisis. He stated that every reform undertaken must ultimately contribute to creating jobs and expanding opportunities for South Africans. By attracting more visitors, the Electronic Travel Authorisation will lead to increased hotel bookings, fuller restaurants, more employment opportunities for tour operators, additional flights, and more conferences. Furthermore, the system is expected to stimulate exports and foreign investment, ultimately generating more work and fostering a better future for South Africans.",
  "summary": "Ramaphosa launched the system that replaces slow, paper-based visa processing with a digital one.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "SABC News",
        "title": "Ramaphosa lauds the new Electronic Travel Authorisation system",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/12/ramaphosa-lauds-the-new-electronic-travel-authorisation-system",
        "published": "2026-08-12T16:22:30.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}