New Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber has extended a temporary concession for foreigners living in South Africa, allowing many to stay in the country until the end of the year.
Foreign nationals with pending long-term visa applications (including appeals and waivers) as of June 30, 2024, have been granted a further temporary extension of status until December 31, 2024. These visa holders who need to travel but are awaiting the outcome of a waiver application can exit and re-enter at a port of entry up to and including 31 December 2024 without being declared undesirable.
Non-visa exempt applicants who travel out of the country with a waiver application receipt are required to apply for a port of entry visa, which would allow them re-entry into South Africa.
Long-term visa holders (for work, business, study, relatives, and accompanying spouses) whose applications remain pending as of 30 June 2024 have also been granted temporary extensions until 31 December 2024. Thus, maintaining their current visa status but restricted from engaging in activities beyond their visa conditions.
Visa holders who have appealed a negative decision on a long-term visa application will also receive a temporary extension until 31 December 2024. They too can exit and re-enter at a port of entry up to and including 31 December 2024 without being declared undesirable. These appeal applicants will need a copy of their rejection letter with a receipt for the appeal application on departure and re-entry into South Africa.
However, this does not apply to individuals holding short-term visas issued for 90 days or less who have applied for a renewal but whose application has not been adjudicated as of June 30, 2024; these individuals are required to leave South Africa within 90 calendar days from the date of expiry of the initial short-term visa. This aligns with the law limiting short-term stays to a total of 180 days.
