Foreign nationals in South Africa who have faced uncertainty while awaiting the outcome of their long-pending visa, waiver, and appeal applications have been granted welcome and unexpected relief by the Department of Home Affairs (DHA), allowing them to remain in the country under the concession for a further 15 months.
On several previous occasions the DHA extended the visa concession for 6 months at a time, bringing renewed uncertainty among those affected every time the deadline approached. Applicants affected are now protected until 30 June 2027.
The DHA announced the further extension on 30 March 2026, less than 24 hours before the current concession was set to end. The long-running visa concession was first introduced in 2022 to protect lawfully present foreign nationals from falling into undesirable status or to have overstayed their visa conditions while the DHA worked to clear the visa processing backlog.
Significant Progress at Home Affairs Recognised
In his announcement Dr. Leon Schreiber, Minister of Home Affairs, said the department has made significant progress in addressing historic backlogs in its visa and permit regime.
He indicated that the Department’s focus on developing and implementing the innovative Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system, which already launched to a limited audience and expected to be expanded in the near future to enhance operational efficiencies, has required a significant allocation of time and resources. The Minister explained: “The Department recognises South Africa is a popular destination of choice for many. Given this high interest and the interventions of the Department to cleanse the stigma of corruption in this area, not all applications submitted to the Department have been able to be finalised timeously. This includes waiver, visa and appeal applications.”
A further extension was therefore granted.
Jaco Brits, Head of Immigration at Xpatweb, welcomed the extension. “We are thankful for the concession as it creates certainty for our clients affected by pending outcomes. This will safeguard many families impacted.”
Brits congratulated the Department on the progress made with the implementation of ETA and the important work so far to eradicate corruption.
Brits further noted that the immigration industry had anticipated further relief to prevent lawfully present foreign nationals from contravening their visa conditions when their documents expire while outcomes from the DHA remain pending.
Legal Status Protected Until 30 June 2027
According to Immigration Directive 7 of 2026, all affected parties will be able to stay in South Africa legally until 30 June 2027. The following temporary measures will also apply with effect from 01 April 2026:
Those applicants who wish to abandon their waiver applications may leave permanently on or before 30 June 2027, without being declared undesirable in terms of the Immigration Act.
Non-visa-exempt nationals will need a port of entry visa to return.
Those who need to travel while awaiting the outcome of their long-term visa application, will be allowed to depart and re-enter South Africa up to and including 30 June 2027 without being declared undesirable.
Non-visa-exempt nationals will require a port of entry visa to return.
These applicants must carry proof of appeal (rejection letter and submission receipt) with them when travelling.
Non-visa-exempt nationals need a port of entry visa to return.
The concession only applies to applicants who were legally admitted to South Africa and who have submitted an application in South Africa through VFS Global.
It does not extend to applicants with Permanent Residence (PR) Permit applications and affected parties still awaiting outcomes for their PR applications, who must maintain their valid temporary residence status in South Africa at all times while awaiting their outcomes.
Staying Informed and Acting Prudently
The latest extension provides important continuity, allowing the DHA additional time to finalise outstanding applications while ensuring that affected individuals are not unfairly prejudiced by administrative delays.
Brits said by allowing eligible applicants to remain in South Africa, while their applications are being finalised, the concession plays an important role in maintaining stability for both individuals and employers.
“The continued extension of the concession reflects an ongoing commitment to balancing immigration control with the country’s broader economic needs, while affording fairness to affected applicants.”
While the extension provides the necessary relief, applicants and employers are encouraged to remain proactive and familiarise themselves with the updated conditions.
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