DHA extends visa concession until mid-2027, offering relief to foreign nationals
In a last-minute but welcome announcement, the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has extended its long-standing visa concession until 30 June 2027. For thousands of foreign nationals in South Africa, this means a critical 15-month reprieve while their visa, waiver, or appeal applications remain pending.
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A concession that has stood the test of time
According to Business Tech , first introduced in 2022, the visa concession has been repeatedly extended—typically in six-month increments—to protect lawfully present applicants from falling into “undesired status” while the DHA worked to tackle a decades-long backlog. This latest extension, announced on 30 March 2026, comes less than 24 hours before the previous concession was due to expire, leaving many breathing a sigh of relief.
Social media users reacted with a mix of joy and relief, with many noting that the announcement prevented potential travel and employment chaos for families, professionals, and students who have been waiting patiently for years.
What this means for applicants
Under Immigration Directive 7 of 2026, the DHA has clarified what the extension entails:
- Waiver applicants can leave and re-enter South Africa without penalties until 30 June 2027. They may also abandon applications without being deemed undesirable.
- Visa applicants awaiting long-term visa outcomes must adhere to existing conditions but can travel and return without penalty.
- Appeal applicants can travel and return as long as they carry proof of their pending appeal.
It’s important to note that this extension applies only to applicants who were legally admitted and submitted applications through VFS Global. Permanent Residence (PR) permit applicants do not benefit from this concession and must maintain valid temporary residence status while awaiting their outcomes.
Progress amid reform
Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber highlighted the DHA’s strides in reducing historic backlogs, while also emphasizing the ongoing development of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system. The phased rollout of the ETA aims to streamline operations and reduce delays, reflecting the department’s commitment to improving transparency and efficiency.
“The department recognises South Africa is a popular destination of choice for many,” Schreiber said, adding that not all applications could be processed on time due to historic inefficiencies and the need to cleanse corruption-related stigma from the system.
A chance to breathe
For applicants and employers alike, the extension provides much-needed certainty in an otherwise stressful immigration environment. While the relief is temporary, it underscores the DHA’s awareness of the challenges faced by foreign nationals and its willingness to offer practical solutions while broader reforms take hold.
As South Africa continues to position itself as a travel and business hub, this extension ensures that international talent, families, and students can continue to contribute safely and legally to the country’s economy and society.
Source: Business Tech
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