The new South African Minister of Home Affairs, Dr Leon Schreiber, has extended the temporary concession for foreign nationals awaiting the outcome of their visa, waiver, and appeal applications. The extension was announced on 4 July 2024, just one day after the new minister was sworn in.
The SA Government said in its statement that the extension will safeguard applicants, including those contributing to South Africa through their scarce skills, from adverse consequences or being erroneously declared undesirable while they wait for their applications to be processed.
The announcement was made via a media statement, and not as per a directive as is normally the case. Breytenbachs thus still await the directive, As was applicable in the past, Breytenbachs rather recommend that clients await the directive before making any travel plans.
Backlog of Visas
The Department of Home Affairs said in a statement that it is working hard to reduce backlogs in various visa and permit categories. However, despite progress, delays persist. Minister Schreiber’s extension aims to protect applicants while these backlogs are addressed. This move underscores his commitment to improving the visa system and making South Africa an attractive destination for international investment, tourism, and job creation. The extension of this concession signals the Minister’s intent to revitalise the Department of Home Affairs and position it as a vital economic enabler.
Minister Schreiber has pledged to prevent a repeat of the previous situation where the concession expired before an extension was announced. He commits that any future changes to the concession terms will be communicated in writing before the new expiry date of December 31, 2024.
The Department of Home Affairs has announced the following temporary measures that will apply immediately:
Temporary Concession on Pending Waiver Applications
Foreigners who hold visas with pending waiver applications as of June 30, 2024, are granted a temporary extension until December 31, 2024. Those wishing to abandon their waiver applications can exit South Africa without being declared undesirable. Visa holders needing to travel can re-enter by December 31, 2024, without adverse consequences but must apply for a port of entry visa if non-visa exempt.
Temporary Concession on Pending Visa Applications
Visa holders with pending long-term visa applications are also granted an extension until December 31, 2024. They must adhere to their current visa conditions. Those wishing to abandon their applications can exit without being declared undesirable. Travelers can re-enter South Africa by December 31, 2024. However, non-visa exempt applicants must apply for a port of entry visa.
Temporary Concession on Pending Visa Appeals
Visa holders appealing a negative decision are granted a temporary extension of their current visa status until December 31, 2024. They must adhere to visa conditions. They can exit and re-enter South Africa without adverse consequences. Provided they apply for a port of entry visa if non-visa exempt.
Short-term Visa Holders
Foreigners in South Africa with short-term visas issued under section 11(1)(a) must depart within 90 days from their visa expiry date. This will ensure that they are not being declared undesirable. This applies to those who have not received their visa renewal outcomes.
The temporary concessions are only applicable to foreign nationals legally admitted into South Africa.
How Breytenbachs can help you
The announcement was made via a media statement, and not as per a directive as is normally the case. Breytenbachs thus still await the directive. As was applicable in the past, Breytenbachs rather recommend that clients await the directive before making any travel plans.
At Breytenbachs, we are committed to assisting clients with all their South African immigration needs. Whether you are applying for a visa waiver or appealing a decision, our team of experts is here to assist. We will ensure a smooth application experience. If you need further information on the temporary concessions or assistance, please feel free to contact us.
You are also welcome to fill out our free online SA Immigration Assessment form.
