South Africa Evisa Problems And Solutions

SA Migration | 02 June 2023

Planning to go to South Africa soon? You'll have to apply for an online visa for South Africa before going to the country.

But, there are some issues that you can face with the South Africa evisa application process.

I have identified the issues and how you can solve the issues and visit South Africa in no time.

Let's get straight into it.

What Are The South Africa E-visa Problems?

Here are some of the South Africa E-visa problems 2023 you could run into:

• The South Africa Evisa portal is extremely hard to navigate
• "Date and month validation mixed up" error
• Unable to complete the online application successfully
• Awaiting adjudication outcome
• Communication errors
• Frequent system failures
• Backlog issues
• Errors when uploading documentation
• Getting stuck on the payment page

The South Africa E-visa Portal Is Extremely Hard To Navigate

The South Africa e visa official website has been unstable and it isn't easy to navigate easily through the application process. Making it hard to understand what to do while filling out your application.

"Date And Month Validation Mixed Up" Error

When you try to fill up the e-visa form. It's a very lengthy process, you'll run into errors as you fill out the form. When you fill up the date of birth, It shows that it has already been filled, and the date of birth is future, it also shows the "date and month validation mixed up".

Unable To Complete The Online Application Successfully

As the South Africa Evisa portal keeps giving errors, and the dates keep on changing when you click on a different tab. This is one of the issues that a lot of applicants are facing.

Awaiting Adjudication Outcome

When travelers log into their accounts and check the South Africa e visa status of their visa it says "Awaiting adjudication outcome", in many cases this South Africa e visa status remains for months with no update. There are some applicants who managed to apply and complete their South Africa e-visa application. But, they still haven't received their South Africa evisa for Indians in months. The awaiting adjudication outcome of South Africa e-visa is quite a common issue experienced.

Communication Errors

Some travelers have reported on Tripadvisor that they have struggled to get any communication back when they have reached out for help. Some travelers also reported waiting 4 months for their evisa South Africa with no communication from the South Africa e-visa service.

Frequent System Failures

This leads to a lot of frustration as every time you will need to restart your application process again. Sometimes you get the system failure and then are left unsure whether your application has been successfully submitted.

Backlog issues

The South Africa Evisa service is struggling to cope with the system and the applications already received. Making the South Africa e visa processing time much longer than it's supposed to take.

Errors When Uploading Documentation

Travelers have reported on Tripadvisor that they receive an error every time they try to upload their documentations on the system.

Getting Stuck On The Payment Page

If you're able to complete your application, then you get stuck in the payment stage. There is no button for "Next" to get the payment details. The whole application process is really time-consuming and frustrating as you don't know what's going on.

How To Solve The South Africa Evisa Problems

Throughout all these stressful and unending issues with the South Africa online visa, I found solutions to some of these issues that you can try.

Use a different Device

This is the most useful solution and seems to solve a lot of application problems for many people. There are people who keep getting errors when they use Mac books. The solution to this is to use a different device, such as a Windows laptop.

Apply Through The VFS Centre Or South African Mission

You can apply for your South African visa through the VFS center or the South African embassy. But, these two institutions will scan and email the application to the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) office, headquartered in Pretoria, then when your visa is approved, they will send it back to where you've applied.

Change Your Computer's Regional Settings To South Africa

Some people have reported that the issues such as the "date and month validation mixed up" error is sometimes solved by changing your computer's regional settings to South Africa.

Contact Your Nearest South African Embassy/Consulate

In some cases contacting your local embassy could help you get some assistance on your application. They can also assist you with how to apply in person if this is the next option for you.

It seems like South Africa has taken these struggles to heart and has implemented another company to assist them in building a better Evisa South Africa system. However, the latest news on this, Nov 2022, suggests this process might take a while.

All Done

You can check our South Africa tourist visa and South Africa evisa blogs to read up more on how to effectively apply for your visa without any issues.

Happy traveling!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is South Africa E Visa Not Working?

The South African electronic visa system is now live and working. The eVisa for South Africa was launched in February 2022 for travelers from 14 countries. The eVisa system makes traveling to South Africa easier.

However there are many problems with the online application process at the moment.

How Long Does The South African EVisa Take?

The South Africa evisa processing time takes a few business days for a South African eVisa application from India. However, at times of high demand, it may take longer.

Are Visas Being Processed In South Africa?

Yes. However, there's a high demand and backlogs, so it may take longer.

Why Are Visas Taking So Long In South Africa?

The South Africa evisa processing time will take longer with the new system because of challenges such as staff shortages and rotational work arrangements, frequent system failures, communication issues, and existing backlogs.

How Long Does It Take For A Visa To Be Approved?

It takes a few business days to 4 weeks and even longer to process a South African eVisa application from India.

How Do I Track My South African Visa Application?

You may also be able to get updates by SMS sent directly to your phone. Check whether this service is available at the Visa Application center you are visiting. You can also track your visa application status online. Use the Reference Number present on the invoice/receipt issued by the Visa Application Center and your last name to access this service.

Is It Easy To Get South Africa Tourist Visa For Indians?

Yes. The process can be easy to obtain a South African Tourist Visa.

How Much Is The South African Visa Fee?

The South African online visa fee is approx. INR 2040, but you are charged a service fee either you apply through the visa service center or the South African embassy In India. Visa fees are payable online by debit or credit card.

Do Indians Need A Visa for South Africa?

Yes, Indian passport holders need a visa to enter South Africa. Indian tourists and other short-term visitors can now get a South Africa online visa. The new electronic application system is the fastest and most convenient way to obtain a South African visa from India.

What Type Of South Africa Visa Can Indians Apply For?

There are several types of visas that Indians can apply for. It all depends on your trip purpose. Here are there South African entry visas you can apply for:

• Short-stay visa: Visits to family or friends for business purposes. The spouse is to join a spouse in South Africa on a work or study permit, and the children are to join parents in South Africa on work or study permits.
• Business Visas: Foreigners who are contemplating investing in the South African economy by establishing a business or by investing in an existing business in the country must apply for a business visa if it is their intention to be employed in the business.
• General Work Visas: General Work Visas are issued to foreigners where it has been proven beyond reasonable doubt that South African citizens and permanent residents with relevant qualifications, skills, and experience are not available for appointment. - Student Visas: Study visas are only issued for studies at selected learning institutions.
• Medical Treatment Visa: Any foreigner who needs to undergo medical treatment in the Republic must apply for a medical treatment visa, which visa may be issued for six months at a time.

The e Visa For South Africa Is Available To Which Countries?

Please note that the South African eVisa system is currently only available for citizens from the following nationalities:

Cameroon, China, Congo (Kinshasa), Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Iran, Kenya, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Philippines, Saudi Arabia, and Uganda.

What Are The Required Documents For A South Africa Visa?

Like any other international travel, you must apply and meet the visa entry requirements for a South Africa Visa for Indians. You will need the following documents:

• A valid passport: Have at least one blank page in your passport.
• Sufficient funds: Proof of financial means to pay for your living expenses in South Africa through bank statements.
• A yellow-fever certificate: Suppose your journey starts or entails passing through the yellow fever belt of Africa or South America.
• Two color passport photographs.
• A return ticket if you travel by air.

www.samigration.com

Dr Nandipha Magudumana hires top lawyer Anton Katz in her bid for freedom, seeks to prove she was unlawfully extradited, not deported

IOL | 02 June 2023

The case continues.

www.samigration.com

South Africa’s visa chaos – legal action is an option

BusinessTech | 02 June 2023

The visa backlog at home affairs is causing serious headaches for people looking to travel or work in South Africa.

Marisa Jacobs, Managing Director of Xpatweb, said that the Department of Home Affairs’ decision to withdraw the central adjudication system has led to a major visa backlog, with the minister of home affairs, Aaron Motsoaledi, saying that the backlog stands at over 60,000.

The minister has, however, announced a new visa cession extending to 31 December 2023.

Jacobs gave details about who qualified for the new visa concession:

• Applicants whose waiver application outcomes are still pending as of 31 March 2023 are granted a temporary extension until 31 December 2023.
• Applicants whose visa applications (long-term visa holders) are still pending are granted a temporary extension until 31 December 2023.
• Short-term visa holders whose visa validity was issued for less than 90 days, and who have not received an extension by 31 March 2023, must depart on or before 30 April 2023, to avoid being declared undesirable.

However, others are not covered by the concession:

• Any pending applications at Embassies.
• Limited cover for short-term visa holders.
• ZEP holders, even where there is a pending application.

However, she said that the concession was ambiguous in some cases. She added that those who are covered by the concession and plan to travel outside of South Africa should bring their VFS Global receipt and concession letter to avoid any issues when they return to the country.

When it comes to those whose application is urgent or overdue, she said that they can consider legal action to speed up the process.

She added that her company was successful when it escalated its clients’ urgent applications to the High Court – if the urgency was supported by facts.

Considering the difficulty in getting long-term mainstream visas in South Africa, Marissa said that individuals and businesses should establish a well-defined strategy and roadmap to deal with their applications, as it will help them in the application process while also covering those who have already been granted an extension from any unexpected requests.

Could soon get better

Jacobs and Eden Ben-Attar from Xpatweb previously said that the work visa system in South Africa is currently the worst it has ever been.

“Other countries get certain visa categories issued at record speed and with high proficiency. The current system places foreign investors in a difficult spot, as they need to be prepared for a frustrating process and a bit of a fight to get their visa,” said Xpatweb.

The major backlog in work visa applications has made South Africa a less attractive destination to much-needed skilled workers.

Although the government tried to launch an initiative in 2022 where the head office would manage the work visa approvals instead of embassies to ensure consistency in documentation and address corruption, Xpatweb said that it appears to have failed.

“Various directives were issued in this regard and to the point where the work visa adjudication process was handed back to Embassies on new submissions. The embassies have not taken back the Head Office submissions during the directive period, so these remain with Head Office according to the certain embassies,” said Xpatweb.

However, following consistent concern over the failure of the Department of Home Affairs, President Cyril Ramaphosa said that government will overhaul the visa system.

In May, Operation Vulindlela, an initiative between the Presidency and National Treasury to drive policy implementation, published a detailed report on how to improve the visa regime.

The Department of Home Affairs has also set out an implementation plan that will ensure that the implementation plan is adopted.

www.samigration.com

The process of applying for asylum in South Africa is governed by the Refugees Act 130 of 1998 (Refugees Act). Sections 22(12) and 22(13) were introduced into the Refugees Act by the Refugees Amendment Act 11 of 2017, which came into effect on 1 January 2020. These provisions, and their subsequent Regulations, were the subject of litigation launched in the Western Cape High Court.

The Scalabrini Centre of Cape Town instituted proceedings against the Department of Home Affairs (DHA), challenging the constitutional validity of sections 22(12) and 22(13) and Regulation 9 and Form 3 of the Refugee Regulations. These impugned provisions create an automatic presumption that asylum seekers have abandoned their application if they do not renew their asylum visa within 30 days after its expiry the effect of this automatic presumption can be far-reaching and may lead to asylum seekers who have genuine claims being deported back to circumstances in which they can face further persecution.

Non-refoulement

At the heart of this matter lies the principle of non-refoulement. “The principle of non-refoulment is the cornerstone of international refugee protection,  it ensures that an individual is not returned to any place where there lies a possibility that they may face persecution. South Africa has ratified various international treaties which speak to this principle, and in so doing has bound itself to abide by the tenets of the international covenants. Further, in compliance with its international obligations, South Africa promulgated the Refugees Act, which entrenches the principle of non-refoulement in section 2. This demonstrates the commitment South Africa initially had to the protection of forced migrants.

However, over the years, we have seen our commitment to the progressive values underlying the Refugees Act dwindle, and the ability to apply for asylum become more stringent and difficult to access. The provisions in question in this matter are a direct reflection of the times we are in and the arbitrary barriers foreign nationals face in trying to remain documented.

The applicants in this matter succinctly placed before the court the consequences of the impugned provisions, which are:

• Asylum applications can automatically be deemed abandoned, without considering the merits of the individual’s claim.

• While in theory the individuals can make representations, no clear procedures exist to do so.

• Children are also at risk of being arrested, detained and undocumented.

Regulation 9(3) of the Refugees Act provides that the DHA can only allow for the late renewal of a permit if the asylum seeker has a compelling reason and proof thereof (such as hospitalisation) for the delay. This ultimately means that asylum seekers who simply cannot afford to travel to the Refugee Reception Offices within that month, could be left undocumented and would then struggle to obtain employment, gain access to healthcare and education they would, as a result, be dealt with as an illegal foreigner in accordance with section 32 of the Immigration Act 13 of 2002.

The respondent argued that the provisions were necessary to help prevent recalcitrant asylum seekers from abusing the asylum system. Further, it argued this was necessary to aid in dealing with the current backlog of dormant applications and put in place more severe penalty provisions for abusive claims.

However, the applicants argued that the respondent failed to acknowledge and accept what the major contributing factors to the backlog are. These factors include the respondent’s decision to close Refugee Reception Offices in certain urban areas, its inefficient adjudication processes, and its lack of capacity to deal with the asylum applications.

The Consortium for Refugees and Migrants in South Africa was admitted as an amicus curia in the matter and put forward submissions that these “abandonment” provisions were not in the best interests of children as they would result in children becoming stateless and being at risk of statelessness. 

International obligations

In its assessment of the matter, the court confirmed South Africa’s responsibility to comply with its international obligations and to establish systems and allocate resources thereto. The impugned provisions constitute a significant limitation on the right to non-refoulement, because they had the potential to force an asylum seeker to return a country they previously fled from and face further persecution. A bureaucratic review by the Standing Committee on Refugee Affairs cannot serve as a legitimate constitutional basis for limiting the right to non-refoulement.

The court therefore held that the “abandonment” provisions were arbitrary as asylum seekers would be deported based on external circumstances, such as failing to renew their permit instead of the merits of their claim. This would result in a violation of the core principles of refugee law, which are to ensure to ensure forced migrants are awarded the full protection of the Constitution, until the merits of their claims have been adjudicated.

It was therefore declared that:

• Sections 22(12) and 22(13) of the Refugees Act are inconsistent with the Constitution and invalid to the extent that they provide that asylum seekers who have not renewed their visas in terms of section 22 of the Refugees Act within one month of the date of expiry, are considered to have abandoned their asylum applications.

• The state is to amend and ameliorate the impugned provisions, in line with the spirit of the Constitution.

• Regulation 9 and Form 3 are inconsistent with the Constitution and invalid and reviewed and set aside.

• The order of invalidity referred to the Constitutional Court for confirmation.

• How can we help you , please email us to info@samigration.com whatsapp message me on: 

• +27 82 373 8415, where are you now? check our website : www.samigration.com

•

• Please rate us by clinking on this links : 

• Sa Migration Visas

• https://g.page/SAMigration?gm

•

• Alternatively , please contact us on :

• Whatsapp  Tel No : +27 (0) 82 373 8415  ( Whatsapp messages only, No calls )

•

• Tel No office : +27 (0) 82 373 8415 ( Whatsapp messages only, No calls ) 

• Tel No landline CT  :  +27 (0) 21 879 5560

• Tel No landline JHB : +27 (0) 12 880 1490 

• Tel No admin : +27 (0) 64 126 3073  ( Whatsapp calls only  No Messages ) 

Tel No sales : +27 (0) 74 0366127  ( Whatsapp calls only ` No Messages )

• www.samigration.com

Rwanda's most wanted genocide fugitive has been arrested in South Africa after three decades on the run.

A collaborative operation by the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (IRMCT), the Fugitive Tracking Team and South African authorities resulted in the arrest of Fulgence Kayishema, 63, on Wednesday afternoon in Paarl, Western Cape.

It had been known for years that Kayishema, who once worked as a bouncer, was hiding in South Africa. 

However, fractured relations between South Africa and Rwanda made it difficult to track and arrest him.

IRMCT Chief Prosecutor, Serge Brammertz, said President Cyril Ramaphosa and government arms played a big role in the team's effort to arrest Kayishema.

"The thorough investigation that led to this arrest was made possible through the support and cooperation of the Republic of South Africa and the Operational Task Team established by President Ramaphosa to assist our Fugitive Tracking Team."

He added:

My office would like to recognise, in particular, the Directorate of Priority Crimes Investigations, Crime Intelligence Western Cape Province, SAPS Interpol, and the Ministry of Home Affairs. Their exceptional skills, rigour and cooperation were critical for this success.

In close collaboration with numerous national law enforcement and immigration organisations, the investigation that resulted in Kayishema's detention included many nations.

Kayishema used a variety of aliases and fake documents to hide his name and location while evading the law.

'No way to recognise your family': Rwandan genocide victims recovered from mass grave

He also relied on a network of reliable allies, including family, ex-members of the Rwandan Armed Forces and the Rwandan Democratic Forces of Liberation, and individuals who shared the murderous Hutu Power ideology.

Through an analysis-driven inquiry that used multi-source evidence and both conventional and cutting-edge methodologies, Kayishema was found and apprehended, the IRMCT said.

There was also the close involvement of Mozambique and Eswatini in tracking down the Rwandan fugitive.

"We also received vital support from similar task forces in other African countries, notably the Kingdom of Eswatini and the Republic of Mozambique," he added.

"Rwandan authorities under the leadership of Prosecutor General Aimable Havugiyaremye continued to be our strongest partners and provided essential assistance."

Rwandan president Paul Kagame has pushed for all genocide enablers to be brought to book.

Kayishema was charged with genocide, complicity in genocide, conspiracy to commit genocide and crimes against humanity by the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) in 2001 for killings and other crimes committed in Kivumu Commune, Kibuye Prefecture, during the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.

According to the accusation, on 15 April 1994, at the Nyange Church in Kivumu commune, Kayishema and other co-defendants killed more than 2 000 refugees, including men, women, elderly people, and young children.

Kayishema allegedly took an active role in the preparation and execution of this atrocity, purchasing and distributing petrol to burn down the church that housed the refugees, among other things.

When it didn't work, Kayishema and others used a bulldozer to destroy the church, killing and burying the refugees inside.

Strained relations with South Africa

Relations between South Africa and Rwanda hit a bad patch when reports surfaced that Kagame was allegedly hunting down his enemies in South Africa without involving local authorities.

The 2014 assassination of the former chief of intelligence for Rwanda, Patrick Karegeya who was in exile in South Africa, was the highest strain point between the two countries.

Karegeya was found dead in his hotel room on 1 January 2014.

Michela Wrong’s book, Do Not Disturb: The Story of a Political Murder and an African Regime Gone Bad, claims Karegeya was killed by a Rwandan government hitman named "Apollo".

However, in court papers filed by Karegeya's family for an inquest into his death, there's mention of four Rwandan suspects.

Even before Karegeya's assassination, Rwandan fugitives had been meeting similar fates in South Africa.

One of them was Rwanda's former army chief of staff, General Kayumba Nyamwasa who survived an attempt on his life in 2010.

SA agrees to help

Brammertz in 2019 briefed the United Nations Security Council that South Africa was not cooperating in the hunt for Kayishema.

"Since 2018, this investigation has been significantly impeded by challenges in obtaining cooperation from South Africa."

But last year, having registered breakthroughs in tracking down some of the fugitives, particularly Protais Mpiranya who was tracked down to a grave in Harare, Zimbabwe, there have been more scores for the IRMCT.

Last May, IRMCT went to Pretoria and Cape Town after South Africa agreed to work with them through an operational interdepartmental investigative team in tracking Kayishema.

www.samigration.com