The newly appointed Minister of Home Affairs, Dr Schreiber, has extended the concessions that allow for unhindered departures on expired visas and that extend the validity of an expired status until 31 December 2024.
The extended concessions only apply to foreign nationals who have been legally admitted into the Republic and who, as of 30 June 2024, have pending waiver applications, long-term visa applications, and appeals.
Short-term visitor visa holders issued in terms of section 11(1)(a) of the Act, who have applied for visitor visa extensions, are directed to make the necessary arrangements to depart from South Africa within 90 calendar days from the date of expiry of their principal visas, to avoid being declared undesirable on departure.
The Minister has also undertaken that any further extension, modification or amendment to the terms of these concessions will be communicated in writing prior to the new expiry date of 31 December 2024. This positive undertaking, together with the refreshingly coherent and precise wording of the Minister’s Statement mark a first step, and hopefully a new chapter, towards a much clearer interpretation which we foresee to be beneficial to foreigners aggrieved by the backlog.
By Claudia Pizzocri | CEO | Eisenberg & Associates