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President Cyril Ramaphosa.
- The cabinet is expected to decide on Wednesday on resuming international travel.
- But there are ties.
- The NCCC has recommended strict visa requirements for anyone entering the country.
President Cyril Ramaphosa’s cabinet is expected to agree to the resumption of international travel and the reopening of the borders on Wednesday.
However, News24 understands that the Natjoints have warned against the massive opening of South Africa’s borders for international tourists, citing fears of a second wave of Covid-19 infections.
Ramaphosa is expected to announce the passage to Level 1 of the blockade, including the lifting of the curfew, among others, once the Cabinet gives the green light to the plans.
The president is also expected to announce a stimulus package for economic recovery.
Sources say that the National Coronavirus Command Council has deliberated on restricting international tourism but allowing movement with permission.
According to the recommendation to be decided by the Cabinet, people will be able to enter and leave the country with strict visa requirements.
READ | Local and international calls to reopen the borders of SA
This is to ensure that travelers from high risk countries are excluded from traveling to South Africa.
As part of this plan, only three international airports will be open, subject to strict conditions, experts say.
Land borders will only be opened to those with visas, in contrast to the usual free flow of travel between SADC countries.
Zimbabwe Special Dispensation and Lesotho Special Dispensation permit holders will be able to travel easily.
Two informants familiar with the deliberations said the Natjoints raised concerns about a second wave of the virus due to possible imported cases.
As a result, the country will not be open to all tourists.
The list of countries that will be banned from traveling to South Africa is expected to be finalized on Wednesday.
It has also been recommended that the state-sponsored quarantine be removed and that international travelers bear their own costs.
It is understood that entry will be allowed to foreign citizens who have work visas, as well as to relatives of people who have work visas and South Africans who are abroad and want to return home.
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