Visa Category

The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) achieved remarkable results in the last six months with their initiative to clear the visa application backlog, however; 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 in the appeals area and permanent residence permit applications.

Nigerian nationals who wish to visit South Africa, still need a passport when applying for a visa, but applicants would be allowed to submit a certified copy with their applications instead of the original passport.

Holders of Zimbabwean Exemption Permits (ZEP) which was due to expire today, have been granted reprieve to stay in South Africa legally for another year without fear of arrest, deportation or detentions.

This welcome news came at the eleventh hour for ZEP holders who did not apply in time for the renewal of their ZEPs for another 12 months. The deadline for these applications was 29 November 2024. Dr Leon Schreiber, Minister of Home Affairs, this morning (Friday) extended the validity of the ZEPs until 28 November 2025, regardless of whether the individual applied for a renewal.

Another D-day looms this week for countless holders of a Zimbabwean Exemption Permit (ZEP) who are uncertain about their stay in South Africa.

Zimbabwean nationals who have not already applied for a waiver to progress from a ZEP to a General Work visa in South Africa, only have until Friday (29 November 2024) to apply for a new one-year exemption permit valid until 29 November 2025. The extension will ensure Zimbabwean permit holders remain legally within South Africa.

Uncertainty still looms about whether the concession for foreign nationals will be extended beyond 31 December 2024 to safeguard them from being erroneously declared undesirable while they await their visa application outcomes, but the good news is those affected can still travel abroad to visit loved ones this Festive Season and re-enter South Africa legally in the new year.

This will require some planning ahead for multinationals and corporates to ensure their foreign national employees and their families can have peace of mind when traveling abroad while their visa applications are pending, says Marisa Jacobs, Managing Director at Xpatweb, South Africa’s premium work permit and immigration service provider.