We wish to inform our clients and all foreign nationals that the Department of Home Affairs has issued Immigration Directive No. 22 of 2025, which extends temporary concessions for applicants facing delays in waiver and visa appeal application outcomes.
Despite significant progress in clearing backlogs under Directive No. 4 of 2025, waiver and appeal applications remain delayed. The Department has therefore implemented the following temporary measures, effective from 1 October 2025 to 31 March 2026.
Pending Waiver Applications
Foreign nationals whose waiver applications are still pending as at the date of the directive’s signature (30 September 2025) are granted a temporary extension until 31 March 2026.
Pending Visa Appeal Applications
Foreign nationals who have submitted an appeal against a rejected long-term visa application (as per sections 11(1)(b) to 22 of the Immigration Act) are also granted a temporary extension until 31 March 2026.
The concession allows and only apply to applicants
- Additional time for the Department to finalise pending applications,
- Collection of waiver/appeal outcomes,
- Submission of appropriate visa applications once waivers are granted,
- Applicants may remain in South Africa under their current visa conditions (no changes to visa activities permitted),
- Were legally admitted into South Africa,
- Submitted their applications via VFS Global.
Travel Provisions
- Applicants may depart and re-enter South Africa until 31 March 2026 without being declared undesirable under section 30(1)(h) of the Immigration Act.
- Non-visa exempt applicants must apply for a port of entry visa if travelling with only an application receipt.
On departure and re-entry, individuals must present
- A copy of the rejection letter, and
- A verifiable VFS receipt.
Other applicants (not covered under this directive) who submitted applications before 7 March 2024 and have not received outcomes are advised to contact the Home Affairs Contact Centre urgently: Email: hacc@dha.gov.za Phone: 0800 601 190
👉 Click here to view Immigration Directive No. 22https://www.dha.gov.za/images/notices/Revised-Immigration-Directive_22-of-2025.pdf of 2025 (PDF)
Should you require assistance with your waiver or visa appeal application, or if you’re unsure how this directive affects you, please contact our office for support and guidance at Email: contact@openboardersimmigration.com Phone: 011 824 3440
