The Department of Home Affairs has issued Immigration Directive No. 22 of 2025, extending temporary concessions for foreign nationals due to processing delays of waiver and appeal applications. This ensures affected applicants can remain compliant while their applications are being processed.
Key Points:
- Waiver Applications: Applicants whose waiver applications are still pending will have their visa status extended until 31 March 2026. They may leave South Africa and re-enter during this period without being declared undesirable under section 30(1)(h) of the Immigration Act. Non-visa-exempt applicants must apply for a Port-of-Entry visa to re-enter.
- Appeal Applications: Applicants who have appealed a negative decision on a long-term visa or permanent residence application will also receive a temporary extension of their current visa status until 31 March 2026. Travel is permitted under the same conditions.
- Eligibility: This concession applies only to applicants who have been legally admitted into South Africa and submitted their applications via VFS Global, with verifiable receipts.
- Other Applicants: If your application was submitted before 7 March 2024 and is still pending, you are advised to urgently contact the Home Affairs Contact Centre.
Important: All applicants must carry the required documents (rejection letters, receipts, or confirmation of submission) when departing and re-entering South Africa.
Read the official release HERE
For expert guidance or assistance with your visa or waiver applications, Black Pen Immigration is here to help:
