The Department of Home Affairs has issued Immigration Directive No. 16 of 2024, extending temporary measures to assist foreign nationals facing delays in waiver, visa, and appeal application processing. These concessions are valid until 31 March 2025 and aim to alleviate the continued backlog while ensuring applicants are not penalized.
1. Pending Waiver Applications
Applicants with pending waiver applications as of the directive’s signing date are granted a temporary extension until 31 March 2025. They may collect their outcomes and submit appropriate visa applications during this time. Applicants may depart South Africa before this date without being declared undesirable, and those traveling can re-enter the country within the concession period. However, non-visa-exempt travelers must obtain a port of entry visa for re-entry if traveling with a waiver receipt.
2. Pending Visa Applications
Visa holders with pending long-term visa applications (e.g., work, study, business, or relative visas) are granted an extension of their current visa status until 31 March 2025, provided they adhere to the original visa conditions. Those needing to travel may leave and re-enter South Africa within this period without penalties. Non-visa-exempt travelers require a port of entry visa to re-enter with a visa application receipt.
3. Pending Visa Appeal Applications
Applicants with pending appeals for long-term visa rejections are also granted an extension of their current visa status until 31 March 2025. Travelers must present their rejection letter and proof of submitted appeal upon departure and re-entry. Non-visa-exempt applicants must apply for a port of entry visa if traveling with an appeal receipt or confirmation.
4. Short-Term Visa Holders
Holders of short-term visas (90 days or less) issued after 1 October 2024 receive a blanket extension of 90 days until 31 March 2025, provided their cumulative stay does not exceed 180 days. They may depart and re-enter South Africa during this period without being declared undesirable.
Important Notes: These measures apply only to applicants legally admitted into South Africa who submitted applications through VFS Global and can provide verifiable receipts.