IMMIGRATION DIRECTIVE NO. 4 OF 2025

Extension of Temporary Concession Due to Delays in Processing Appeals and Manual Applications

The Department of Home Affairs has been working to clear the backlog in visa and permit applications since issuing Immigration Directive No. 16 of 2024 on December 18, 2024.

However, due to delays in printing and processing, many application outcomes will not be ready before the previous concession deadline of March 31, 2025. To address this, the Department is extending temporary concessions for affected applicants.

1) Waiver Applications Still Pending

• If you applied for a waiver and your application is still pending, your current visa is automatically extended until September 30, 2025. This allows time for processing and for you to collect your outcome and apply for the correct visa.
  
  
• If you choose to cancel your waiver application and leave South Africa before or on September 30, 2025, you will not be declared undesirable.
  
  
• If you need to travel but are still waiting for your waiver outcome, you can leave and return to South Africa before September 30, 2025, without being declared undesirable.
  
  
• If you are not visa-exempt and leave South Africa, you must apply for a port of entry visa to return.

2) Long-Term Visa Applications Still Pending

• If you applied for a temporary resident visa (under sections 11(1)(b), 20, or 22 of the Immigration Act) and your application is still pending, your current visa is automatically extended until September 30, 2025.
  
  
• You cannot engage in any activities outside the conditions of your current visa.
  
  
• If you need to travel, you can leave and return before September 30, 2025, without being declared undesirable.
  
  
• If you are not visa-exempt and leave South Africa, you must apply for a port of entry visa to return.

3) Visa Appeal Applications Still Pending

• If you appealed a rejected long-term visa application, your current visa is automatically extended until September 30, 2025.
  
  
• You must follow the conditions of your current visa while waiting for the appeal outcome.
  
  
• If you need to travel, you can leave and return before September 30, 2025, without being declared undesirable.
  
  
• When traveling, you must carry a copy of your rejection letter and proof of appeal submission.
  
  
• If you are not visa-exempt and leave South Africa, you must apply for a port of entry visa to return.

Important Notes

• This extension only applies to foreigners who were legally admitted into South Africa and have applied through VFS Global with a verifiable receipt.
  
  
• If you applied for permanent residence, you must ensure that your visa remains valid while waiting for your outcome. This concession does not apply to permanent residence applicants.

These temporary measures aim to ensure fair processing and reduce inconvenience for affected applicants.