Major visa update for South Africa – with good news for foreigners

 ·4 Jul 2024

New Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber has extended a temporary concession for foreigners living in South Africa, allowing many to stay in the country until the end of the year.

A day after being sworn in as Minister, DA politician Schreiber extended the temporary concession for foreign nationals awaiting the outcomes of their visa, waiver, and appeal applications.

Long-term visa holders in South Africa have thus been given legal permission to remain in South Africa until 31 December 2024.

The decision comes four days after the expiration of the previously granted extension.

“The delay in the announcement had left many in a panicked state, as they feared that they would be required to depart the Republic of South Africa in the absence of a concession granting them extended status,” said international mobility specialists Xpatweb.

“Schreiber has committed to avoid a repeat of the current situation that has seen the previous concession expire prior to the extension being announced.”

Schreiber said that any further extension, modification or amendment to the terms will be communicated in writing before the expiry date of 31 December 2024.

The directive by the Department introduces several measures.

Foreign national visa holders with pending waiver applications as of 30 June 2024 will receive a temporary extension until 31 December 2024, allowing the Department to process their applications, applicants to receive their decisions, and applicants to apply for appropriate visas.

These visa holders who need to travel but are awaiting the outcome of a waiver application can exit and re-enter at a port of entry up to and including 31 December 2024 without being declared undesirable.

“However, non-visa exempt applicants who travel out of the country with a waiver application receipt are required to apply for a port of entry visa, which would allow them re-entry into South Africa,” said Xpatweb.

Long-term visa holders (for work, business, study, relatives, and accompanying spouses) whose applications remain pending as of 30 June 2024 have also been granted temporary extensions until 31 December 2024. Thus maintaining their current visa status.

However, these foreign nationals are restricted from engaging in activities beyond their visa conditions.

They will also be allowed to exit and re-enter without being declared undesirable.

Yet, non-visa-exempt applicants who travel out of the country with a long-term visa application receipt will need to apply for a port of entry visa, which will allow them to re-enter South Africa.

Visa holders who have appealed a negative decision on a long-term visa application will also receive a temporary extension until 31 December 2024.

“Visa appeal applicants who need to travel but are awaiting the outcome of an appeal application for a long-term visa will be allowed to exit and re-enter at a port of entry up to and including 31 December 2024 without being declared undesirable,” said Xpatweb.

“Non-visa exempt appeal applicants who travel out of the country with an appeal application receipt are required to apply for a port of entry visa which would allow them re-entry into South Africa.”

These appeal applicants will need a copy of their rejection letter with a receipt for the appeal application on departure and re-entry into South Africa.

However, short-term visa holders who have applied for a renewal of their visa but have not received the renewal outcome must exit South Africa within 90 days from the expiry date of the principal visa to avoid being declared undesirable. This aligns with the law limiting short-term stays to a total of 180 days.

Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber (DA) and Home Affairs Deputy Minister Njabulo Nzuza (ANC)

Good for growth

“Minister Schreiber’s immediate action to extend the concession for foreign nationals underscores a strong commitment to addressing current inefficiencies within the Department of Home Affairs,” said Xpatweb.

“By protecting applicants from adverse consequences and ensuring timely communication of any future changes, the Minister demonstrates a clear vision to enhance South Africa’s attractiveness for international talent, investment, and tourism.”

“This is a positive step towards revitalizing the visa system and positioning the Department as a key player in driving economic growth and job creation in South Africa.”


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