Acknowledging the ongoing visa processing backlog, the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has reaffirmed its commitment to improving efficiency in visa and permit issuance. As part of this effort, a new Immigration Directive has been issued, extending relief to foreign nationals awaiting the outcomes of their pending visa, waiver, and appeal applications until 30 September 2025. Minister of Home Affairs, Dr L.A. Schreiber, emphasised that this extension aims to mitigate disruptions for affected individuals.

To further address delays in visa, waiver, and appeal processing, the Minister of Home Affairs has issued Immigration Directive No. 4 of 2025, which extends the temporary concession primarily due to delays in the printing process. The extension allows:

1. The DHA to finalise pending appeal and manual category applications.
2. Foreign nationals to await decisions on their applications without legal repercussions.

Key provisions of the extended concession are as follows:

• Waiver applicants: Foreign nationals with pending waiver applications as of 28 March 2025 are granted an extension until 30 September 2025 to receive their outcomes and submit visa applications, where applicable.
• Long-term visa applicants: Foreign nationals who have applied for visas in terms of sections 11(1)(b) up to and including sections 20 and 22 of the Immigration Act (including long-term visitor's visas, study visas, treaty visas, business visas, crew visas, medical treatment visas, relative's visas, work visas, retired persons' visas, and exchange visas)  and have pending applications are also granted an extension until 30 September 2025. However, they must comply with their current visa conditions and may not engage in activities beyond those permitted by their visa.
• Visa appeal applicants: Foreign nationals who have appealed the rejection of a long-term visa will maintain their current visa status until 30 September 2025. They must present their rejection letter and original VFS receipt when departing and re-entering South Africa.
• Traveling: Foreign nationals with pending long-term visa, waiver, or appeal applications may depart and re-enter South Africa without being declared undesirable. However, non-visa-exempt foreign nationals must apply for a port of entry visa before re-entering South Africa.

This concession only applies to foreign nationals legally present in South Africa who submitted applications through a relevant VFS Centre. Proof of application (VFS receipts) is required for verification. Foreign nationals who applied for permanent residence are not covered under these concessions and must ensure their legal status remains valid independently.

The extended deadline of 30 September 2025 provides additional time for affected individuals to secure their application outcomes while maintaining legal compliance in South Africa.

Written by Nivaani Moodley, Associate Director & Bianca Rutherfoord-Jones, Immigration Specialist at Webber Wentzel