Bringing you immigration news as it happens
Well, these last few days saw some interesting developments. Once again Home affairs have extended the expired visa grace period for all short term visa’s (90 days and less) until the 30th of June. This is certainly good news for all visitors stuck here in RSA. However, returning home is still a problem – a 14 day quarantine period.
What’s the news for long term visa holders here in RSA? According to the Immigration Act, you need to start renewing your visas in the next 30 days. Visas need to be lodged 90 days in advance of expiry and the new date DHA have set is the 31st July. This means you must apply NOW. VFS appointments are almost fully booked for April already so there are going to be so hectic queues. Remember VFS are currently only allowed to accept around 50% of their capacity of appointments due to covid restrictions in their building.
Good news for refugee and asylum seekers? Maybe? There is an online renewal process due to the Refugee Centres still remaining closed. Call our offices if you need assistance with this.
And on a wider glance, DHA has refuted claims that the Bashiri’s had help from DHA officials to leave RSA. According to the latest press release it was in fact members of their church who spirited them away in the early hours of the morning.
Watch this space for more immigration news.
Yours in immigration news
Tania Copeland.