The Department of Home Affairs in South Africa has extended temporary concessions for foreign nationals impacted by delays in the adjudication of waiver, visa and appeal applications until 30 June 2027.
These measures aim to accommodate applicants whose outcomes remain pending due to ongoing system improvements and backlog processing.
Waivers
Foreign nationals with pending waiver applications as at 30 March 2026 are granted an extension until 30 June 2027 to allow for processing, collection of outcomes, and submission of relevant long-term visa applications where applicable.
Applicants may depart and re-enter South Africa without being declared undesirable, provided they present their waiver VFS receipt. Non-visa exempt passport holders must obtain a port of entry visa prior to returning.
Long term visa applications
Foreign nationals with pending long-term visa applications are granted an automatic extension of their current visa status until 30 June 2027. Applicants must continue to comply with the conditions of their existing visa.
Travel is permitted, subject to holding proof of the pending application (VFS receipt). Non-visa exempt passport holders must apply for a port of entry visa before re-entry.
Appeals
Foreign nationals who have submitted an appeal against a negative long-term visa decision are granted an extension of their current visa status until 30 June 2027.
Applicants may travel, provided they present a copy of the rejection letter and appeal receipt/confirmation. Non-visa exempt passport holders must obtain a port of entry visa prior to returning.
Foreign national employees with pending waiver, visa or appeal applications submitted through a VFS centre are legally authorised to continue working under the conditions of their current visa until 30 June 2027 or until an outcome is issued (whichever occurs first).
Accompanying dependents awaiting outcomes on linked applications will also benefit from these concessions.
Employees may travel internationally, but employers should consider additional requirements for non-visa exempt passport holders, including the need to obtain port of entry visas prior to re-entry.
Foreign nationals who choose to abandon pending waiver applications may depart South Africa on or before 30 June 2027 without being declared undesirable.
Exclusions
These concessions do not apply to:
Affected individuals in the latter category must depart South Africa by 30 April 2026 and will not be declared undesirable.
The concessions cease immediately upon the issuance of an outcome, and applicants must comply with the conditions of that decision without delay.
For a deeper discussion on the above, please reach out to your Vialto Partners point of contact, or alternatively:
Stephen Marlin
Partner
Supriya Boodhena
Senior Manager
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