The Department of Home Affairs has released Immigration Directive No. 7 of 2026, introducing a powerful extension for foreign nationals affected by processing delays.
With concessions now valid until 30 June 2027, this is one of the longest extensions ever issued – a full 1 year and 3 months and while this brings welcome relief, it also introduces serious compliance risks that many employers are already overlooking.
What This Means for Your Business
As the Department continues rolling out the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system, backlogs remain a reality. This concession allows applicants to remain legally in South Africa while awaiting outcomes — but only until a decision is issued and collected.
That’s where the risk begins
Once an outcome is finalised and collected, the concession falls away immediately. This means for example if an employee receives a rejection and does not disclose it to the employer, then employer may unknowingly become non-compliant overnight.
The Hidden Risk Most Employers Miss
Employees are not always quick to report outcomes especially negative ones and without active monitoring, the company could unknowingly employ someone without valid status.
This exposes your business to, fines, legal penalties and reputational damage.
Our Solution: Proactive Compliance Monitoring
At Open Boarders Immigration Consultants, we don’t just keep you informed but rather we protect your business and because this is such a long-term concession, by offering a dedicated immigration compliance monitoring service.
We will actively track the applicants’ pending application submitted via VFS Global to ensure the company is alerted when an outcome is ready for collection and also notify when an outcome has been collected.
Based on this the company can take immediate action if an outcome is unfavourable and the business remains fully compliant at all times.
Why This Matters Now More Than Ever
This extended concession may create a false sense of security, but in reality the longer the concession, the greater the compliance exposure. Employers who rely solely on employee disclosure are taking a significant risk.
Key Takeaways
- Concession valid until 30 June 2027
- Applies to waiver, visa, and appeal applicants
- Travel is permitted under conditions
- Ends immediately once outcome is issued and collected
- Applicants and employers remain responsible for compliance at all times
Stay Ahead. Stay Compliant.
Don’t wait for a compliance issue to arise.
Let OBIC manage the risk for you with real-time monitoring, proactive alerts, and expert immigration oversight.
Contact us today to safeguard your workforce and ensure full compliance under this extended concession.
Click here to view Immigration Directive No. 7 of 2026 fhttps://www.dha.gov.za/index.php/notices/2015-immigration-directive-7-2026
