The Department of Home Affairs (DHA); the Minister has once again had to extend the concession period for foreign nationals who are awaiting the outcome of their applications to ensure they are able to remain in South Africa on a legally correct basis.
The extension of the concession was unavoidable as the outcomes of many applicants were not ready for collection when the festive season started, the Minister of Home Affairs announced in a Directive. Although the visa backlog has been eradicated, a backlog persists
The latest concession means affected parties may continue with their activities as per their current visa conditions for another three months, until 31 March 2025. This was necessary to safeguard applicants from suffering adverse consequences or being erroneously declared undesirable in South Africa while they await the outcome of applications submitted to the Department.
The extended concession now also brings peace of mind for many whose waiver, long-term visa and appeal applications are still pending ..
This is the second time Dr Leon Schreiber, Minister of Home Affairs, has extended the temporary concession due to the visa backlog at the Department dating back almost ten years. Shortly after his appointment as Minister in July 2024, he moved to protect applicants while the backlog was reduced.
With the latest announcement, Schreiber kept his promise of July 2024 that any further extension, modification or amendment to the terms of the concessions would be communicated prior to the then expiry date of 31 December 2024 to prevent a repeat of the situation which saw the previous concession expire before the extension being announced
The further temporary extension of the concession until 31 March 2025 applies to:
Waiver Applications: Applicants with pending outcomes as of 30 November 2024 may exit and re-enter South Africa without being declared undesirable, but non-visa exempt applicants who travel out of the country with a waiver application receipt, are required to apply for a port of entry visa which would allow them re-entry into South Africa.
Visa Applications: Visa holders who have applied for long-term visas such as Business Visas, Study Visas, Relative's Visas and Work Visas and same remained pending as at 30 November 2024, have been granted further temporary extension of their current visa status. They must adhere to their current visa conditions and are allowed to travel with similar conditions as waiver applicants. Note the conditions for non-visa exempt applicants.
Visa Appeal Applications: Visa holders who appealed a negative decision on an application for a long-term visa, are granted a temporary extension for three months. Travel conditions similar to other applicants apply, and they must carry a copy of the rejection letter together with a receipt indicating the Applicant has submitted an appeal application.