Corporate Immigration update — Update on the Temporary Concession for Foreign Nationals due to Immigration Application Backlogs
Overview
Effective 1 April 2026, the South African Department of Home Affairs issued Immigration Directive No. 7 of 2026, extending temporary concessions for foreign nationals affected by processing delays. This update addresses backlogs in waiver, visa, and appeal applications.
Who will be affected?
This directive applies to foreign nationals with pending waiver, long-term visa, or appeal applications who submitted their requests through VFS Global and hold valid receipts.
Background
Due to ongoing delays in processing, the Department of Home Affairs has extended the legal status of applicants to prevent them from being declared undesirable while awaiting outcomes. This extension allows individuals to remain in the country and, in many cases, travel internationally provided specific documentation is carried.
Impact
- Waiver Applications: Applicants with pending waivers receive an automatic extension until 30 June 2027 and may remain in or exit South Africa without penalty.
- Long-Term Visas: Current visa status and conditions are extended until 30 June 2027; travelers must carry a VFS receipt for re-entry.
- Appeals: Visa status is extended until 30 June 2027; travel requires a rejection letter and appeal receipt.
- Exclusions: This concession does not apply to permanent residence applicants.
- Visitor Visa Appeals: Applicants appealing rejected visitor visa extensions (Section 11(1)(a)) pending longer than 3 months must depart South Africa by 30 April 2026.
Date of implementation
1 April 2026
Santa Fe recommendation
To ensure compliance and seamless travel, we recommend that all applicants keep digital and physical copies of their VFS receipts and Directive No. 7 of 2026. It is crucial to verify if your specific visa category falls under the exclusions, particularly for visitor visa appeals.
Contact us
Please get in touch with us for further information or clarification:
Precious Moropa
Immigration Manager — Africa
Santa Fe Relocation
+27 (0) 10 595 2345
precious.moropa@santaferelo.com
Paolo Longo
General Manager – Africa
Santa Fe Relocation
+27 (0) 10 595 2337
paolo.longo@santaferelo.com
About our Immigration Services
Our distinguished immigration services oversee a substantial volume of visa applications annually, catering to a diverse array of international corporations. Our seasoned team of immigration experts and accredited migration agents are entrusted with the meticulous management of the entire immigration process on your behalf. We are committed to delivering streamlined reporting and offering comprehensive guidance on all immigration-related affairs, ensuring a smooth and efficient experience for our valued clients.
