On 28 March 2025, the Department of Home Affairs issued a significant extension of its temporary concession aimed at foreign nationals who have been impacted by delays in the processing of long-term visa applications, visa waivers, and visa appeals. This extension now runs until 30 September 2025, providing much-needed relief for those navigating South Africa’s complex immigration landscape.
This concession follows the previous notice published on 18 December 2024, which allowed visa holders and applicants some leeway as they awaited the outcomes of their applications, extending the validity of their current visas and waivers until 31 March 2025. The March announcement marks a proactive response to the backlog of processing times that has affected many foreign nationals.
Pending Visa Waiver Applications
Under the newly extended concession, there are specific measures for foreign nationals with pending visa waiver applications. Those who have applied for a waiver and whose applications remain unresolved as of 28 March 2025 will receive a temporary extension of their current status until 30 September 2025. This decision is designed to allow adequate time for the Department to process applications and for individuals to collect their outcomes or transition to appropriate visa statuses.
Additionally, for those who wish to abandon their waiver applications, the concession permits them to depart South Africa without facing undesirable status, provided they leave by or on 30 September 2025. It’s crucial for visa holders needing to travel while waiting for their waiver outcome; they can depart and re-enter South Africa until the end of September without being classified as undesirable. Non-visa exempt applicants must, however, secure a port of entry visa for re-entry, ensuring that their travel plans are not unduly disrupted.
Pending Visa Applications
When it comes to outstanding applications for long-term visas, the Department of Home Affairs has made it clear that applicants whose visas are still in process as of the specified date will see their current visa statuses temporarily extended until 30 September 2025. This extension is strictly regulated, meaning applicants must adhere to the conditions of their existing visas without engaging in unauthorized activities.
Visa holders looking to travel while awaiting long-term visa outcomes should also be reassured that they can do so without fear of being issued an undesirable status upon re-entry. However, as with waiver applications, non-visa exempt travelers need to apply for a port of entry visa before leaving South Africa.
Pending Visa Appeal Applications
Visa holders who are in the process of appealing a negative decision regarding long-term visas are not left in the lurch. The same extension applies to them: they will also retain their current visa status until 30 September 2025. Again, it is mandatory for these applicants to refrain from any activity beyond the scope of their visa conditions during this period.
For those requiring travel while their appeal is in process, the provisions mirror those for visa applications and waivers. Visa appeal applicants can leave and re-enter South Africa without being declared undesirable, provided they present their rejection letter and proof of appeal submission upon departure and re-entry. Non-visa exempt travelers, however, will need to apply for a port of entry visa to facilitate their return.
It is vital to note that these temporary measures are only applicable to foreigners who have been legally admitted into South Africa. This concession specifically targets applicants who have submitted their applications through VFS Global and can provide valid receipts from the tracking system. Importantly, those applying for permanent residence permits must maintain their residential status independently, as the concessions for visa holders do not extend to this category.
Digital Business Visa Application System Goes Live
The VRS is designed for foreign business owners seeking first-time applications, extensions, or permanent residence recommendations under the Immigration Act of 2002. With objectives centered around enhancing efficiency—such as quicker processing times, greater convenience, and improved transparency—this system stands to benefit a wide array of applicants.
Key Features of the South African Immigration VRS Include:
- Online Submission: Business visa recommendation applications can now be submitted digitally, eliminating the need for in-person visits and reducing paperwork.
- Document Upload: Required supporting documents can be conveniently uploaded directly to the system, making submissions more efficient.
- Real-Time Tracking: Applicants will have the ability to track their application statuses in real time, promoting transparency throughout the process.
- Automated Notifications: The system will automatically communicate updates and final recommendations, keeping applicants informed every step of the way.
South African Global Immigration Assistance
In a notable development, IBN Immigration Solutions, a prominent immigration services provider based in South Africa with additional offices in Kenya and Namibia, has joined forces with Envoy Global. This collaboration positions IBN as a critical player in the global immigration services sector, enabling them to better meet the increasing demands of businesses across Africa.
The partnership aims to enhance the range of services available to clients, extending the capability to provide comprehensive assistance with global immigration needs. If your business is aiming to navigate the complexities of immigration in South Africa and beyond, this collaboration could provide you with the insights and support necessary for effective management.
For those interested in learning more about the enhanced global immigration services now available, don’t hesitate to reach out for personalized assistance.
