Entries by admin

Rejected Visas Cause Foreign Nationals Frustration

The delays for foreign nationals getting their visas are well-known due to the Department of Home Affairs backlog. But what are your options when you sit with a poor Home Affairs decision and where your visa was rejected for no good reason?

DHA Extends ZEP Again… But Is It Enough?

On 8 June 2023, the Minister of Home Affairs, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, announced the extension of the validity of Zimbabwean Exemption Permits (ZEP) to 31 December 2023. This welcomed decision provides some relief for nearly 180,000 ZEP holders whose futures remained unclear but a few days ago.

SONA Foreign Talent Announcements Enticing, But Are They Realistic?

Will President Ramaphosa’s SONA announcement on reforms to attract foreign talent really benefit South African critical skills employers? “We certainly welcome these initiatives as a win for organisations that are desperate to acquire scarce skills that are not available locally,” says Marisa Jacobs, Managing Director at Xpatweb.

Employers Have a Window of Opportunity on their Zimbabwean Staff

The Department of Home Affairs (“DHA”) granted a final extension to 30 June 2023 for all individuals holding a Zimbabwean Exemption Permit (“ZEP”). The minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, reiterated the point that the exemption will not be extended again, and this provides an opportunity for employers to retain their Zimbabwean employees legally.