This type of South African long-term relationship visa is available to individuals in legally recognized relationshipships and allows them to apply for either a temporary residence visa or permanent residence, depending on the duration of the relationshipship.
An application for a temporary residence long-term relationship visa requires that the relationships have been in a documented relationship for at least two years. Foreign nationals who are relationships of South African citizens or permanent residents may apply for permanent residence if they have been together for five years or more, in accordance with the Immigration Act.
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On Monday the government announced immigrants would now typically have to live in the UK for 10 years before applying for the right to stay here indefinitely - double the current five-year period.
It was previously unclear whether this would apply to the approximately 1.5 million foreign workers who have moved to the UK since 2020.
The BBC understands a document published in the coming weeks will make clear the government is preparing to apply the 10-year qualifying period to those who are already in the UK as well as to new visa applicants.
The move will be subject to a public consultation.
A government source said Home Secretary Yvette Cooper had for some time been concerned that under the current five-year process there is set to be a significant increase in settlement and citizenship applications in the next few years, reflecting the surge in immigration in the early years of this decade.
A policy document published on Monday said there would continue to be a five-year qualification period for non-UK dependents of British citizens.
There will also be shorter qualification periods for people who can show they have contributed to the UK's "economy and society".
The announcement was part of a wider package of measures set out on Monday to cut legal migration.
Net migration - the number of people coming to the UK minus the number leaving - climbed to a record 906,000 in June 2023, and last year it stood at 728,000.
In a speech on Monday, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the measures would mean "settlement becomes a privilege that is earned, not a right, easier if you make a contribution, if you work, pay in, and help rebuild our country."
Some Labour MPs have raised concerns about the possibility longer qualifying periods for settlement could apply to people already in the UK.
Florence Eshalomi, who chairs the Commons housing, communities and local government committee, told MPs the lack of clarity had left some of her constituents "understandably worried", with one telling her they were considering leaving the UK "because their settled status here is in jeopardy".
In response, Cooper told MPs the government would set out further details later this year, with a consultation to follow.
'Betrayal'
Isa, who came to the UK three years ago with his wife, said the change felt like "fraud" and "a betrayal".
"We had other options as well – we came here with the promise of settlement status here," he told BBC Radio 5 Live.
"We need to stay two more years under current rules [to be eligible for permanent settlement].
"This was our plan for life here. And now everything has changed.
"I'm now thinking about moving to the US. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love living here. I was feeling welcome when I came here at first and it's the first moment that I feel like I'm completely unwelcome."
Both Isa and his wife work for a tech company, with his wife on a skilled worker visa, while he came to the UK as her dependent.
He suggested the change could see some international companies that rely on foreign workers closing their UK branches.
The 35-year-old added: "I think it has consequences for the high-talent coming here. They're not sure if the rules are going to change."
Isa is now considering whether to stay in the UK
The Migration Observatory said a 10-year route to settlement would make the UK more restrictive than most other high-income countries but comparable to Switzerland and Japan.
It said the move was unlikely to significantly affect migration levels but it would bring in more visa-fee revenue for the Home Office because people on temporary visas pay ongoing fees.
Migrants would also face longer periods without the rights that come with permanent settlement, which include the right to live, work and study in the UK for as long as desired, and to apply for benefits.
Permanent settlement can also be used to apply for British citizenship.
Enny Choudhury, co-legal director at the Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants charity, said the move was "a cruel betrayal".
"These are our neighbours and friends. They've already built their lives in the UK, and moving the goalposts now will plunge many into deeper debt, uncertainty and trauma," he said.
"We need a system that offers people a clear, affordable and compassionate pathway to settlement."
The suspect, whose name is being withheld pending formal charges, was apprehended on Monday, 12 May, during a verification process required for new educator registrations. According to SACE, officials became suspicious after spotting inconsistencies in the documentation she submitted, including a purported Bachelor of Education degree from the University of South Africa (UNISA) and a SACE registration letter.
Upon inspection, both documents were found to be counterfeit. SACE immediately alerted the South African Police Service (SAPS), and the woman was arrested on site. The South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) has also been brought in to assist with a broader probe into the authenticity of the credentials and possible links to a syndicate producing fake qualifications.
“This arrest is a warning to those who think they can bypass the rigorous standards we apply in verifying educator credentials,” said SACE spokesperson Thembelihle Dlamini. “Not only is this a criminal offence, but it also places the safety and academic development of learners at serious risk.”
Authorities are investigating whether the suspect ever taught in a school and, if so, for how long. Early indications suggest she may have worked in a private institution where registration protocols are often less stringent. SACE has confirmed it is reaching out to affected schools and learners if any were impacted.
The Department of Basic Education has expressed concern over the incident, calling for tighter cooperation between institutions of higher learning, regulatory bodies, and law enforcement to prevent further abuse of the education system.
Forging educational credentials is a criminal offence under South African law, carrying penalties that include imprisonment. This latest arrest adds to a growing number of cases involving fake degrees and fraudulent employment in the public sector.
The suspect remains in custody and is expected to appear before the Pretoria Magistrates’ Court later this week on charges of fraud and uttering forged documents. More arrests may follow as the investigation unfolds.
South Africa encourages permanent residency if you are serious about staying in South Africa on a long terms permanent basis there are many categories you can apply under.
Hold a General Work Visa for five years and have a permanent job offer.
Hold a Relative’s Visa sponsored by an immediate family member.
Hold a Critical Skills Visa and have 5 years relevant work experience.
Be in a proven life relationship relationship for five years
Be married to an SA relationship for at least five years.
Have held Refugee Asylum Status for five years.
Hold a Business Visa.
Receive a monthly income of R37,000 through Pension or Retirement Annuity
Have a net asset worth of R12m and payment to Home Affairs of R120,000
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