Visa Concession Extended: Protecting Foreigners Awaiting Outcomes

In his first official act as the new Minister of Home Affairs, Dr. Leon Schreiber has extended the temporary concession for foreign nationals awaiting the outcome of visa, waiver, and appeal applications. This extension ensures that applicants, including those contributing to South Africa with scarce skills, are safeguarded from adverse consequences while their applications are processed.

The Department of Home Affairs is actively working to reduce application backlogs. Although progress has been made, the backlog remains significant, prompting Minister Schreiber to protect applicants during this period. This extension signals a commitment to improving South Africa's visa system, making the country a more attractive destination for international investment, tourism, and job creation.

Temporary Measures Effective Immediately

Waiver Application Pending:

• Visa holders with pending waiver applications as of June 30, 2024, receive a temporary extension until December 31, 2024. They can exit South Africa without being declared undesirable if they choose to abandon their applications.
• Those needing to travel will be allowed to re-enter without being declared undesirable, provided they hold a waiver application receipt. Non-visa-exempt travelers must apply for a port of entry visa for re-entry.

Visa Application Pending:

• Visa holders with pending long-term visa applications as of June 30, 2024, receive a temporary extension until December 31, 2024. They cannot engage in activities outside their visa conditions.
• Applicants can abandon their applications and exit without being declared undesirable.
• Travelers awaiting visa outcomes can exit and re-enter without being declared undesirable, provided they hold a visa application receipt. Non-visa-exempt travelers must apply for a port of entry visa for re-entry.

Visa Appeal Application Pending:

• Visa holders with pending appeals on long-term visa applications receive an extension until December 31, 2024. They must adhere to their current visa conditions.
• Applicants can abandon their appeals and exit without being declared undesirable.
• Travelers awaiting appeal outcomes can exit and re-enter without being declared undesirable, provided they have appeal application receipts. Non-visa-exempt travelers must apply for a port of entry visa for re-entry.

Short-Term Visa Holders:

• Short-term visa holders who applied for renewals but have not received outcomes must depart within 90 days from the expiry date of the principal visa to avoid being declared undesirable.

This concession applies only to legally admitted foreign nationals who have submitted applications via VFS Global and can produce a verifiable receipt.

Minister Schreiber's actions demonstrate a commitment to a more efficient and fair visa process, positioning the Department of Home Affairs as a key enabler of economic growth.