Key Points
South Africa introduced measures to allow entry-visa-exempt foreign nationals to continue to remain in the country legally while other visa applications are processed
Overview
The government of South Africa will grant an extension of stay permissions to entry-visa-exempt foreign nationals with a pending long-term visa application. Extensions of stay permissions will remain in place until September 30, 2022. This timeframe will allow foreign nationals located inside South Africa to stay in the country while their visa applications are processed.
Applicants with expired immigration permissions who no longer wish to renew visa applications will be required to exit South Africa by September 30, 2022, at the latest.
Applicants of long-term visas, who are exempt from requiring an entry visa, will be permitted to enter South Africa. In contrast, the long-term visa application is processed so long as they present proof of a valid VFS receipt on arrival.
What are the Changes?
On June 28, 2022, the government of South Africa announced that stay concessions would be made for entry-visa-exempt foreign nationals waiting for a visa application to be processed. The government stated that this additional time is expected to help reduce processing backlogs and delays. Applicants will not be permitted to undertake work-related activities until the visa application is processed.
Looking Ahead
Continue to check the government of South Africa’s website for the latest updates and information.
Written by: Jessie Butchley, Global Immigration Writer, Envoy Global
Source: Department of Home Affairs, Republic of South Africa
