On 28 March 2025, the Department of Home Affairs has announced an extension of the temporary concession for foreign nationals due to ongoing delays in processing visa applications, appeals, and certain manual category applications. This follows Immigration Directive No. 16 of 2024, which aimed to address the visa backlog. However, due to continued delays—particularly in the printing process—many applications will not be finalised before the previous concession deadline of 31 March 2025.
Key Updates:
Pending Waiver Applications
- Visa holders with pending waiver applications as of the directive’s signature date will receive an extension until 30 September 2025 to allow time for processing and subsequent visa applications.
- Those wishing to leave South Africa before this date may do so without being declared undesirable.
Pending Visa Applications
- Long-term visa applicants (under Sections 11(1)(b), 20, and 22 of the Immigration Act) awaiting decisions will have their current visa status extended until 30 September 2025.
- They must adhere to their existing visa conditions.
Pending Visa Appeals
- Applicants appealing a negative decision on a long-term visa are granted an extension of their current visa status until 30 September 2025.
- They must provide proof of appeal submission when traveling.
Travel Provisions
- Eligible applicants may leave and re-enter South Africa without being declared undesirable.
- Non-visa exempt applicants must obtain a port of entry visa for re-entry.
This concession applies only to applicants who submitted through VFS Global and can verify their application. It does not apply to permanent residence applicants, who must maintain valid status independently.
For further details, please refer to the official directive.
