On March 28, 2025, Dr. Leon Schreiber issued and signed Immigration Directive No. 4 of 2025, granting an extension of the existing concession set to expire on March 31, 2025. This extension is crucial for foreign nationals in South Africa with pending waivers, long-term visa applications, and appeals, allowing them to remain in the country under specific conditions just before the current concession's expiration.

Background and Justification

According to an article published by the Minister in Businesstech on March 29, 2025, many application outcomes will not be available before the March 31, 2025, deadline. Delays in visa processing, particularly due to printing errors, have contributed to this backlog. Consequently, the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) is prioritizing the processing of appeal applications and certain manual category applications that cannot be finalized before the concession expires.

Categories Eligible for the Extended Concession

Effective immediately, the following visa application categories will benefit from the extended concession until September 30, 2025:

• Pending Waiver Applications submitted on or before March 28, 2025.

• Long-Term Visa Applications as outlined in Section 11(1)(b) of the Immigration Act, extending up to Sections 20 and 22, submitted on or before March 28, 2025.

• Pending Appeal Applications, wherein applicants have appealed a negative decision on a long-term visa application under Sections 11(1)(b) through 22 of the Immigration Act, granting a temporary extension of their current visa status until September 30, 2025.

Travel Considerations for Pending Applicants

Assignees traveling while awaiting their visa outcome should carry the following documents:

1. Original passport

2. Original Acknowledgment of Receipt obtained at the VFS Centre on the day of submission

3. Copy of the concession letter issued by the DHA and signed by the Minister of Home Affairs, Dr. L.A. Schreiber, on March 28, 2025

4. Notification of intended travel to ensure proper guidance on exit and re-entry procedures

Applicants/assignees from non-visa-exempt countries traveling with a VFS application receipt must apply for a Port of Entry Visa or a Visitor’s Visa under Section 11(1) of the Immigration Act, 2002, to re-enter South Africa.

Important Notices for Applicants with Pending Appeals

• Applicants awaiting waivers, appeals, and long-term visa decisions may remain in South Africa until September 30, 2025.

• Affected individuals may depart and re-enter South Africa under specified conditions until the concession’s expiration.

• Departing applicants during this period will not be deemed undesirable.

• Visitors or tourist visa holders are allowed a maximum stay of 90 days, extendable to a total of 180 days. Beyond this, they must exit the country to avoid being declared undesirable.

Government Progress and Future Outlook

The DHA has successfully cleared nearly 94% of the visa backlog over the past six months. However, this expedited processing has led to an increase in application rejections and subsequent appeals. The Minister’s directive to prioritize appeal applications is a significant step forward in addressing these concerns.

Under Minister Schreiber’s leadership, the DHA remains committed to modernizing visa services, enhancing efficiency through technology, and positioning South Africa as an attractive destination for skilled foreign professionals, reinforcing its role in economic growth.