Immigration update: South Africa | Temporary measures in respect of foreign nationals
The Department of Home Affairs has released a new circular providing a blanket temporary visa extension to foreign nationals for a further six (6) months until 31 March 2023. This concession aims to provide relief to foreign nationals who are currently awaiting the outcomes of submitted waiver and visa applications.
Who is affected?
Foreign nationals who have been legally admitted to South Africa and who are currently awaiting the outcomes of submitted waiver and visa applications.
Impact
The applicants have legal status in South Africa until 31 March 2023 on the same terms and conditions, while they continue to await the outcome of their waiver and visa applications.
Applicants who wish to abandon their waiver or visa applications will be allowed to travel out of the country on or before 31 March 2023 without being declared undesirable.
Applicants with long-term visa applications who originate from visa exempt countries and who wish to travel may do so by presenting their original VFS receipts upon their departure from and entry into South Africa. However, applicants who originate from countries that are non-visa exempt for visits to South Africa, would require a port of entry visa plus the original VFS receipts in order to be re-admitted into South Africa.
How Santa Fe can assist
Santa Fe can support your business with any immigration compliance and advisory issues concerning your expatriate population. We can review current employees’ visas and assist with necessary advice or solutions to ensure ongoing compliance with the South African Immigration Act and Regulations.
We will also keep your business updated on ongoing developments on all South African immigration matters and will advise on any changes requiring your attention.
Should you have any questions, please contact:
Precious Moropa
Immigration Manager – South Africa
Santa Fe Relocation
Johannesburg, South Africa
D: +27 (0) 10 595 2345
E: Precious.Moropa@santaferelo.com
Paolo Longo
Regional Immigration Director – India, Middle East & Africa
Santa Fe Relocation
Johannesburg, South Africa
D: +27 (0) 10 595 2337
M: +27 (0) 83 677 7949
E: Paolo.Longo@santaferelo.com
To read more immigration updates, click here
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