The Department of Home Affairs Extends Visa Concession to June 2027

The South African Department of Home Affairs has issued Immigration Directive No. 7 of 2026, providing a significant sigh of relief for foreign nationals facing delays in visa processing. Acknowledging a backlog in waiver, visa, and appeal applications, the Department has officially extended the temporary concession for legal residents until 30 June 2027

Who is Covered?

This extension applies to individuals who have pending applications in the following categories:

  • Waiver Applications: Holders of visas who have applied for a waiver and are awaiting a decision.

  • Long-Term Visas: Applicants for long-term visas (sections 11(1)(b) to 22 of the Immigration Act), including work and study permits.

  • Appeals: Those who have appealed a negative decision on a long-term visa application.

Under this concession, your current visa status remains valid, though you must strictly adhere to your existing visa conditions.

Travel Regulations

If you need to travel while your application is pending, you may depart and re-enter South Africa without being declared “undesirable,” provided you do so by 30 June 2027.

  • Documentation: You must carry a verifiable VFS Global receipt at all times. Appeal applicants must also carry their rejection letter and proof of appeal.

  • Visa-Exempt Status: If you are from a country that is not visa-exempt, you must apply for a port of entry visa before returning to South Africa.

Critical Exclusions

  • Short-Term Visitor Visas: If you are appealing a rejected renewal for a standard visitor’s visa (section 11(1)(a)) and it has been pending for over three months, you are not covered. You must depart the Republic by 30 April 2026.

  • Permanent Residency: This concession does not apply to permanent residence applicants, who must ensure their temporary status remains valid independently.

Important Note

These measures only apply to those who were legally admitted and applied via VFS Global. Once you receive an official outcome on your application, these concessions expire immediately, and you must comply with the new decision.