The Department of Home Affairs has officially announced a further extension of the temporary visa concession for foreign nationals affected by delays in visa processing.
This update, issued under Immigration Directive No. 7 of 2026, brings welcome relief and much-needed certainty to individuals and employers navigating South Africa’s immigration system.
What Is the Visa Concession?
The visa concession was first introduced to protect foreign nationals who are legally in South Africa but are still awaiting the outcome of:
- Visa applications
- Waiver applications
- Appeal applications
Due to ongoing processing delays, many applicants have faced the risk of overstaying their visas through no fault of their own. This concession ensures that affected individuals can remain compliant while awaiting outcomes.
New Extension: Valid Until 30 June 2027
Under the latest directive, qualifying applicants are now permitted to:
- Remain legally in South Africa until 30 June 2027
- Avoid being declared undesirable due to visa expiry while applications are pending
- Travel in and out of South Africa, subject to specific conditions
This longer-term extension replaces the previous short-term renewals and provides greater stability for both individuals and businesses.
Who Does This Apply To?
The concession applies to foreign nationals who:
- Were legally admitted into South Africa
- Have submitted a pending application through VFS Global
- Hold valid proof of submission (receipt)
It covers:
1. Waiver Applicants
- May remain in South Africa while awaiting outcomes
- Can travel and return without penalties
- May depart permanently before 30 June 2027 without being declared undesirable
2. Visa Applicants (Long-Term Visas)
- May continue to stay under their current visa conditions
- Are not allowed to change activities (e.g. work, study) beyond existing permissions
- Can travel and return while awaiting outcomes
3. Appeal Applicants
- May remain in South Africa while appeals are pending
- Must carry proof of appeal when travelling
- Are restricted to the conditions of their current visa
Important Travel Considerations
While travel is permitted under the concession:
- Applicants from non-visa-exempt countries must apply for a port of entry visa before returning to South Africa
- Supporting documents (such as application receipts or appeal confirmations) must be presented when travelling
Key Exclusions
It is important to note that the concession does not apply to:
- Applicants awaiting permanent residence outcomes, they must maintain valid temporary residence at all times
Additionally:
- Individuals appealing a rejected visitor visa extension (Section 11(1)(a)), where the appeal has been pending for more than 3 months, are excluded and required to depart South Africa by 30 April 2026
When Does the Concession End?
The concession remains valid until 30 June 2027, unless:
- An outcome is issued on your application
👉 Once a decision is made, the concession falls away immediately, and applicants must comply with the outcome without delay.
What This Means for You
This extension provides critical relief and continuity for foreign nationals and their employers. It allows applicants to remain legally in the country while the Department of Home Affairs continues to address processing backlogs and improve its systems.
However, it is essential to:
- Stay informed of your application status
- Ensure you have valid supporting documentation
- Comply strictly with your current visa conditions
The extension reflects a continued effort to balance immigration control with fairness, ensuring that applicants are not penalised due to administrative delays. While the additional time is beneficial, applicants are encouraged to remain proactive and seek guidance where necessary.
Need Assistance?
Navigating visa concessions and immigration regulations can be complex, especially with evolving directives from the Department of Home Affairs.
If you are unsure how this update affects your status,or your application, the team at Black Pen Immigration is here to help.
📩 Contact us: info@blackpen.co.za
📝 Free assessment: https://www.blackpen-immigration.com/free-online-assessment/
Our experts can guide you through your options, ensure compliance, and help you take the right next steps with confidence.
Read the official directive here
