South Africa’s visa backlog is showing signs of progress, but the Department of Home Affairs is being urged to make sure the improvements last.
Image used for illustrative purposes/By: Matthew de Lange/iStock
The Select Committee on Security and Justice has welcomed the department’s efforts to reduce overdue visa applications and appeals, while calling for reforms to prevent similar backlogs from building up again.
The department recently briefed the committee on visa processing, appeals, overdue applications and its move towards greater digitalisation. According to IOL, the department has identified fragmented data, non-integrated systems and manual processes among the factors contributing to delays.
Thousands of visa appeals remain outstanding
One of the biggest concerns is the number of pending appeals.
As of 28 July, the Department of Home Affairs had 21,847 pending visa appeals, with 13,148 – or 60.2% – already overdue.
The department currently processes an average of between 13,000 and 15,000 applications a month and has set itself a target of clearing all overdue applications by 31 March 2027.
For international travellers, prospective visitors and foreign nationals living or working in South Africa, reducing these delays could mean more predictable processing times and fewer disruptions when planning travel or dealing with immigration requirements.
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Digital systems could help reduce delays
The committee has also highlighted the need for Home Affairs to address weaknesses in the systems behind visa processing.
According to IOL, the department said fragmented information and systems that do not communicate with one another can lead to duplication, manual intervention and reduced traceability, while also creating opportunities for fraud and corruption.
The department is moving ahead with initiatives including the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) and the Population Master Database.
The committee said these digital changes should translate into measurable improvements in processing times, verification, accountability and service delivery rather than simply shifting applications between different queues.
Crackdown on corruption continues
Home Affairs has also reported progress in tackling corruption linked to immigration processes.
Since 2022, the department has investigated 41 allegations involving the irregular processing or issuing of visas. Twenty cases were referred for disciplinary action, while 18 officials have been convicted and sentenced for contraventions of Home Affairs legislation.
The committee welcomed the enforcement measures but said stronger systems are also needed to prevent manipulation of the immigration process in the first place.
Temporary status extended for pending applicants
Another measure welcomed by the committee is the extension of temporary status for people with pending waiver, visa and appeal applications until 30 June 2027.
The extension is intended to help ensure that people who have complied with immigration requirements do not become irregular solely because their applications are still awaiting a decision.
For South Africa’s tourism sector, an efficient and predictable visa system remains important as the country works to attract more international visitors.
The committee said the immediate priority is clearing the existing backlog, but the longer-term goal should be a system capable of preventing large queues of overdue applications from building up again.
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