Article Posted: 04 July 2024
Good news! The South African Department of Home Affairs has extended the temporary concession for several visa situations until December 31st, 2024. This means you may have more time to wait for your application to be processed.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Waiver Applications: Pending applications as of June 30th, 2024, are extended. You can stay and wait for the decision or depart without penalty by December 31st. You may need a port of entry visa to return if you travel.
- Long-Term Visa Applications (Visitor, Business, Study, Relative, Work): Applications pending as of June 30th are extended. You can stay according to your current visa but cannot do activities outside those allowed. You can leave and return without penalty by December 31st. Non-visa-exempt applicants may need a port of entry visa to return.
- Long-Term Visa Appeal Applications: Appeals pending as of June 30th are extended. You can stay according to your current visa but cannot do activities outside those allowed. You can leave and return without penalty by December 31st. Please bring your rejection letter and appeal receipt when you travel. Non-visa-exempt applicants may need a port of entry visa to return.
Short-term visitor visas (section 11(1)(a)) with a renewal application pending must depart within 90 days of their original visa expiry to avoid complications.
Important Notes:
- This concession applies only to those who are legally admitted to South Africa.
- You must have submitted your application through VFS Global with a verified receipt.
Click here to read the full directive on the DHA website.