The new Minister of Home Affairs, Dr. Leon Schreiber, has extended the temporary permission for foreign nationals waiting for their visa applications, waivers, or appeals to be processed. This move is to protect them from negative consequences while they wait, as there are still backlogs in processing these applications.
This extension aims to support those who contribute to South Africa through their skills or as tourists, and to show the government’s commitment to improving the visa system.
Although the department has made progress in reducing the backlog of applications, there are still delays, and Schreiber’s decision aims to safeguard these individuals during this period.
The Department of Home Affairs has stated that while achieving this vision will take time, the decision to extend the concession is a clear signal of intent to revitalize the department and position it as a crucial economic enabler. The minister has also promised to communicate any further changes to these concessions in writing before the new expiry date of 31 December 2024, to build confidence in this new approach.
Visa holders with pending waiver or visa applications are granted a temporary extension until 31 December 2024, allowing them to remain in the country legally while their applications are processed.
Those who wish to abandon their applications can leave South Africa without being declared undesirable if they exit before or on 31 December 2024. Non-visa exempt applicants who travel out of the country with a waiver or visa application receipt must apply for a port of entry visa to re-enter South Africa. This concession only applies to foreign nationals legally admitted into South Africa.
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