The Department of Home Affairs has issued Immigration Directive No. 7 of 2026 on 30 March 2026, extending temporary concessions for visa, waiver, and appeal applications in South Africa. The Directive introduces extended validity periods for applicants with pending waiver, long-term visa, and appeal applications, allowing them to remain in the Republic lawfully while awaiting the outcomes of their applications, marking a continued effort towards improved efficiency and alleviating the impact of processing delays within the immigration framework for applicants.
One of the key developments highlighted within the Directive is the extension of visa status until 30 June 2027 for applicants with pending visa, and appeal applications, together with permission to depart from and re-enter the Republic without being declared undesirable, subject to compliance with applicable conditions.