On 30 March 2026, the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) issued Immigration Directive No. 7 of 2026, extending temporary concessions for foreign nationals affected by ongoing delays in the processing of waiver, visa, and appeal applications. These measures, effective from 1 April 2026 until 30 June 2027, provide important relief but are subject to specific conditions and exclusions that applicants and employers must carefully consider.

Background to the Directive

The DHA has made progress in addressing longstanding backlogs in visa and permit processing. At the same time, it has been developing the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system to improve efficiency and reduce administrative bottlenecks. Despite these efforts, high application volumes and systemic delays mean that many waiver, visa, and appeal applications remain outstanding. The Directive seeks to address these delays by extending the validity of affected applicants’ status and allowing time for applications to be finalised.

Key Concessions and Immigration Implications

The Directive introduces a series of temporary protections aimed at stabilising the status of foreign nationals with pending applications. Visa holders who have submitted waiver applications and are still awaiting outcomes as of 30 March 2026 are granted an extension until 30 June 2027. This enables them to remain in South Africa while their applications are processed, and, where successful, to submit further visa applications. These applicants are also permitted to depart and re-enter the Republic during the concession period without being declared undesirable. However, those from non-visa-exempt countries are required to obtain a port of entry visa prior to returning to South Africa if they travel internationally.

Similarly, applicants who have applied for long-term visas and whose applications remain pending are granted an automatic extension of their current visa status until 30 June 2027. While this provides continuity of lawful stay, applicants remain strictly bound by the conditions of their existing visas and may not engage in activities outside those parameters. Travel is permitted during the concession period, and such applicants may depart and re-enter South Africa without adverse immigration consequences. As with waiver applicants, non-visa-exempt individuals must secure a port of entry visa before re-entry.

In respect of appeal applicants, individuals who have lodged appeals against negative decisions on long-term visa applications are likewise granted an extension of their current visa status until 30 June 2027. These applicants may travel internationally and re-enter South Africa during the concession period without being declared undesirable, provided they carry the necessary supporting documentation, including a copy of the rejection decision and proof of submission of the appeal. Non-visa-exempt applicants in this category are also required to apply for a port of entry visa prior to returning to South Africa. As with all other categories, appeal applicants must continue to comply with the conditions of their existing visas while awaiting outcomes.

Qualifications and Scope of Application

The concessions apply only to:

  • Foreign nationals who were legally admitted into South Africa; and
  • Applicants who submitted their applications via VFS Global and can provide verifiable proof of submission.

Importantly, these measures do not apply to applicants for permanent residence permits. Such applicants must ensure their legal status in South Africa always remains valid.

Key Exclusions

Certain applicants are expressly excluded from the concession:

  • Individuals appealing the rejection of a visitor’s visa renewal (section 11(1)(a)) where the appeal has been pending for more than three months.
  • These applicants must depart South Africa on or before 30 April 2026, although they will not be declared “undesirable”.
  • Their appeal outcomes will be communicated via the relevant application portal.

Practical Impact for Employers and Foreign Nationals

This Directive has important operational and compliance implications:

  • Workforce Stability: Employers can retain foreign employees whose applications are pending without immediate risk of unlawful stay.
  • Travel Planning: Businesses must account for additional visa requirements for non-visa-exempt employees travelling internationally.
  • Compliance Oversight: Employers should ensure employees maintain valid documentation, including proof of application or appeal status.
  • Risk Management: Misinterpretation of the concessions may expose both employers and employees to immigration non-compliance.

The concessions provided under the Directive terminate immediately upon the outcome of the relevant application. Applicants must promptly comply with the conditions of the decision, including departure where required.

Looking Ahead

While the extension provides necessary relief, it also highlights ongoing systemic challenges within South Africa’s immigration framework. Employers and foreign nationals should take proactive steps to manage risk:

  • Monitor application and appeal statuses closely
  • Maintain accurate and accessible documentation
  • Plan travel carefully, particularly for non-visa-exempt individuals
  • Seek legal guidance where uncertainty arises

We encourage employers, IR/HR professionals, and legal practitioners to engage with these developments and share their insights.