South Africa's Department of Home Affairs continues to experience delays in processing visa applications. In response, it has issued a new exemption, valid until 30 September 2025, as outlined in Immigration Directive No. 5 released earlier this year.聽
The previous concession had extended visas only until 31 March.
This new extension applies to long-stay visa applications still awaiting a decision, waiver requests currently under review, and appeals following the refusal of a long-stay visa.
Depending on their situation, affected individuals are allowed to enter and leave the country.
Waiver: Applicants may leave and re-enter South Africa before 30 September, provided they can show a valid VFS receipt. However, if the person is not visa-exempt and exits the country, they will need to apply for a visa before returning. If the individual decides to withdraw their application and leave South Africa before the deadline, they may do so without being declared 鈥渦ndesirable.鈥�
Long-stay visa: Temporary long-stay visas are automatically extended until 30 September. The visa holder must not undertake any activity that falls outside the conditions of their existing visa. They are free to leave and return to the country before the deadline.
Those who are not visa-exempt will need to obtain a visa before returning to South Africa.
Appeal in progress for long-stay visa rejection: Current long-stay visas are extended until 30 September. Travel is permitted if the applicant can present both a copy of the visa refusal letter and proof of appeal submission. However, non-exempt nationals will be required to apply for a new visa before re-entry. This concession does not apply to appeals following the rejection of a permanent residence visa.The Department reminds applicants that these exemptions only apply to eligible foreign nationals who submitted their applications through the , the official partner of the Department of Home Affairs.
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