Visa Delays? New South African Home Affairs Minister Steps In to Protect Tourists and Foreign Workers From Deportation

“As my first official act, I have extended the temporary concession to safeguard skilled workers, tourists, and others impacted by the delays at Home Affairs. This ensures that international visitors and workers, who are crucial to our economy, are not unjustly penalized if their documentation lapses while awaiting processing.”

The previous concession expired on June 30, leaving many at risk of being wrongly classified as “undesirable.” The new extension, effective immediately, will last until December 31, 2024. Dr Schreiber assured us that any changes to this concession would be communicated well in advance.

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In my first act as Minister, I have immediately extended the concession to safeguard skilled workers, tourists and other people affected by visa processing delays at Home Affairs. I have done so after the previous concession expired on 30 June, which left applicants vulnerable to… pic.twitter.com/WHbJPhQb6p

— Leon Schreiber (@Leon_Schreib) July 4, 2024 

Key Measures Under the Extended Concession

1. Pending Waiver Applications

• Visa holders with pending waiver applications as of June 30, 2024, are extended until December 31, 2024.
• Those who choose to abandon their waiver applications can leave South Africa by December 31, 2024, without being deemed undesirable.
• Travellers waiting for waiver outcomes can re-enter South Africa without being labelled undesirable, although non-visa-exempt travellers must obtain a port of entry visa.

2. Pending Long-term Visa Applications

• Applicants waiting for long-term visa decisions (e.g., Visitor, Business, Study, Relative, Work Visas) are granted an extension until December 31, 2024.
• Those abandoning their visa applications can exit without being declared undesirable.
• Travelers with pending long-term visa applications can re-enter South Africa, but non-visa exempt travelers must apply for a port of entry visa.

3. Pending Visa Appeal Applications

• Visa holders with negative decisions on long-term visa applications are extended until December 31, 2024.
• Applicants abandoning their visa appeals can exit without being declared undesirable.
• Travelers with pending appeals must show a rejection letter and appeal receipt upon departure and re-entry. Non-visa exempt appeal applicants must apply for a port of entry visa.

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4. Short-term Visa Holders

• Short-term visa holders awaiting renewal outcomes must depart within 90 days of visa expiry to avoid being declared undesirable.

This concession exclusively applies to foreign nationals legally in South Africa who have submitted their applications via VFS Global and can provide verifiable receipts.

This decisive action by Minister Schreiber aims to restore confidence in the Department of Home Affairs and ensure that South Africa remains an appealing destination for international investment, tourism, and skilled migration.