The Department of Home Affairs extended the concessions from 1 October 2021 for specific groups of foreign visitors in South Africa to 31 December 2021.
Gazetted on 28 September 2021, the amendments extend to 31 December 2021 the validity period of visas or asylum permits that expired during lockdown.
The concession applies to certain groups of foreigners whose visas expired during lockdown, being persons who have applied for waivers in terms of section 31(2)(c) of the Immigration Act, 2002 and are awaiting the outcomes of their applications. It also applies to holders of asylum seeker permits or foreign nationals with refugee status in South Africa.
Holders of these visas may remain in South Africa under the conditions of their visas until the extension expires. They may only engage in activities endorsed on their visa or permit. Those who wish to be repatriated to their home countries can depart before then without being declared ‘undesirable persons’.
However, the extension does not apply to people who entered the country from 15 March 2021. And the extended concessions do not apply to visa renewals or visas issued after 15 March 2021 also, the normal validity period of visas as issued applies to these visitors and foreign temporary residents in South Africa.
Also in terms of amended lockdown regulations, the Department has resumed from 1 October 2021 its acceptance of applications and issuing permanent residency status to foreigners who apply to stay for the longer term in South Africa.
If you have any temporary residence visa or permanent residence permit related queries, or would like assistance with your visa or permit application, please contact us on 021 979 0022.
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