How can I renew my South African Retired Person's Visa?

The short answer
All extensions must be submitted through VFS Global. Here is a list of everything you will need.

The long answer
As you probably know, the retired person's visa usually expires after four years and you have to submit any visa renewal at least 60 days before the expiry date of your visa. You can apply for renewal earlier than the 60 days, but only within the last six months of the validity of the existing visa.
All extensions have to be submitted in South Africa through VSF Global,

They advise that if you have previously qualified under the R37,000 a month income, you should check the current exchange rate as this fluctuates, and ensure that you still qualify.

SA Migration says that the R37,000 income may originate from a pension, retirement account, or irrevocable annuity or from assets providing the required monthly income. They explain that accepted income from assets are dividend payments, rental income as well as interest payments
“With the continued visa application backlog challenges facing the South African Department of Home Affairs and the need to address the impact of the pending visas, waivers, and appeal applications, the Minister of the Department of Home Affairs has approved the extension of the temporary concession of affected foreign nationals until 30 June 2024.

“This temporary concession, effective December 2023, allows foreign nationals who have pending long-term visas, waivers, and appeal applications to continue to reside and work in South Africa on their current visa conditions pending the decision of their applications. Any reference to the Immigration Act refers to the Immigration Act No13 of 2002, as amended.”

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Critical Skills Work Visa

The Critical Skills Visa South Africa is for skilled workers whose occupation is on the Critical Skills Visa List for South Africa. This list reflects the occupations that are in demand in South Africa.

The newly published "Skills or qualifications determined to be critical for the Republic of South Africa in relation to an application for a Critical Skills Visa or Permanent Residence Visa"

This category of work visa may be issued to an applicant who falls within a specific professional category or specific occupational class determined by the Minister by notice in the Government Gazette. This is done after consultation with the Minister of Labour and the Minister of Trade and Industry.

If an applicant falls within one of the professional categories listed on the critical skills list and also has the appropriate post qualification working experience in that profession then such applicant may qualify to apply for this category of work Visa.

The applicant also needs to where applicable register with the relevant South African professional accreditation body regulating that industry as stipulated by Minister of Home Affairs. Such body must also confirm the applicant’s skills, qualifications and working experience.

Furthermore, such applicant’s qualifications need to be evaluated relevant to a South African level. An applicant for a Critical Skills Visa may enter South Africa on such visa without having secured a job offer first. It is, however, required of the applicant to confirm employment with the Department of Home Affairs within a period of one (1) year upon arrival in South Africa, failing which, the Visa would automatically lapse.

The Critical Skills Work Visa is tied to an individual and not to an employer so under this Visa a person can leave from one employer to the next without obtaining a new work Visa.
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Can I use a DNA test to prove that I am the child of a South African citizen and use the results to get citizenship?

The short answer
Yes, a sibling DNA test can indeed establish whether half-siblings share a biological father.

The whole question
Can I use a DNA test with my half-sisters to prove that I am my late South African father’s daughter so that I can apply for citizenship? If so. how would I go about it? Can you recommend third parties that could assist with the process?

The long answer
A sibling DNA test can indeed establish whether half-siblings share either a biological mother or father. In your case, the DNA tests can show whether there is a shared biological father.

The firms that offer DNA testing make a distinction between testing for your own peace of mind and legal testing.
An article on DNA test prices by Money Today says that DNA testing for legal purposes costs about R4,700. Importantly, they also say that “They are usually done using a chain of custody in conjunction with the department or agency that requires the tests to be done. Failure to meet this requirement may make the test inadmissible to the department or agency.”
Legal DNA Testing says that the chain of custody “… is simply put, a sample collection procedure that must follow certain steps. The procedure will ensure the integrity of the results, that no mistakes are made in the sample collection and that the results reflect the true relationship between alleged father and child.”

So, whatever company you ended up using would have to meet the DHA’s chain of custody requirements, and it is something you would need to make sure about with the company from the start.
Home Affairs says that you should visit their offices
If you run into difficulties with Home Affairs, you could consult one of the following organisations that have a lot of experience in dealing with Home Affair
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General Work Visa

General Work Visa

Under the General Work Visa there are very strict requirements. The South African government, although trying to promote work and trade in South Africa, recognize the need to give South Africans the chance to obtain employment ahead of any foreigner.

You will have to prove that you are the only person who can fill that position and that no other South African can play that role. This is done by placing an advert in a national newspaper advertising the position.

A Department of Labour report would need to be obtained.

You will also need to have a job offer/contract from your future employer.

The most important part of the process is skills assessment by SAQA (South African Qualifications Authority) in SA which evaluates your formal qualifications and compares them to a SA qualification. This process is mandatory and for this we would need your academic transcripts and award diplomas. Note under the regulations provision is made for the recognition of work experience in the absence of formal qualifications and this therefore makes provision recognition of prior work experience (RPL).

This is a paper based system which merely compares the foreign qualifications and arrives at an equivalent qualification in SA, and if qualified in SA then no SAQA needed.

Next your employer has to prove that you are the only person that can fill the position and no other South African can fill that role. This is done by placing an advert in a national newspaper advertising the position.

Please note the work Visa is issued in the name of the employer so the person is tied to the employer. If they change the job they will require a new work Visa.

There is some good news for people who are qualified through work experience only and they can qualify if they don’t require formal qualifications, ie SAQA.

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Zimbabwe introduces online visa applications

HARARE- Zimbabwe has launched a new online visa application system aimed at streamlining immigration procedures and enhancing the country’s appeal to international visitors and investors. The platform, which is part of the broader Online Border Management System (OBMS), allows travellers from visa-required countries to apply for entry electronically—marking a significant shift from the previous paper-based system.

The OBMS, first rolled out in 2024, now includes e-visas, e-permits, and digital travel clearances. These developments form part of the government’s wider digital transformation drive to modernise public services, improve administrative efficiency, and strengthen border security.

Chief Immigration Officer Respect Gono said the new system will make the application process faster, more convenient, and less costly.
“Previously, applicants had to physically visit embassies or consular offices, or send documents by post. Now they can apply from anywhere, at any time,” she told state media. “The major highlights of the OBMS are the e-visas, e-gates, and e-permits.”

The e-visa facility is now fully operational, and citizens of countries requiring prior approval to enter Zimbabwe can access the service via the official immigration website. The platform also allows applicants to track the progress of their applications in real time.

In addition to short-term tourist and business visas, Zimbabwe has expanded the system to support applications for long-term stays. These include residence permits, employment permits, and investment-related authorisations. Gono confirmed that several modules, such as those for temporary employment and investor residence, are already functioning, while others are under development.

The digitisation of immigration services is expected to bring wide-ranging benefits—not only for applicants, but also for government agencies and private sector stakeholders.

“By cutting down processing times and reducing paperwork, the OBMS improves efficiency across the board. It also enhances transparency and allows for better monitoring of border traffic,” Gono added.
Tourism operators and business leaders have welcomed the new system, describing it as a timely and necessary reform that positions Zimbabwe as a more accessible and modern destination.

“We are confident this will have a positive impact on tourism and foreign investment,” said one stakeholder. “Making it easier to visit or invest in Zimbabwe is a crucial step toward boosting economic growth.”
The Zimbabwean government has stated its commitment to continuing the rollout of digital services across sectors, with immigration viewed as a key priority for both national security and economic development.