Another blanket waiver extension by Home Affairs until 30 June 2024

The Department of Home Affairs, once again, extended its blanket waiver to applicants who are currently awaiting their outcomes of submitted visa, appeal and waiver applications. This is really good news to individuals who, submitted their applications prior to 30 November 2023 and whose visas expired already.

These individuals are now covered until 30 June 2024. This further means applicants may travel, if required, from South Africa between now until 30 June 2024 on expired visas without being declared undesirable. They will be required, however, to present their original VFS receipt upon their departure from and entry into South Africa. Visa exempt nationals may simply enter South Africa again on their usual 30-90 day visas to collect the outcomes of their visa applications. Unfortunately, nationals from visa-restricted countries must apply for and obtain a port of entry visa in order to be re-admitted into South Africa.

Blanket waiver extension applicants who applied for their tourist visa extensions and who did not receive their outcomes yet until 23 February 2024, may leave South Africa by latest 29 February 2024 without being declared undesirable.

Further good news is that individuals who appealed and who did not receive their outcomes yet by 30 November 2023 are now included and covered under the blanket waiver as well. These individuals must also produce a copy of the rejection letter in addition to the original VFS receipt should they travel outside of and into South Africa.

Please note that ONLY the conditions stipulated on the current visa are permissible. A pending change of conditions application does not grant the applicant permission to conduct the new activity yet.

It is important to note that this blanket waiver ONLY covers applicants who submitted their visa, appeal and waiver applications within South Africa and who have been legally admitted into the country.

Please feel free to reach out to us via our contact form on www.movingsouthimmigration.com to discuss. Alternatively, you may contact us on +2773 5357 534 or sue@movingsouthimmigration.com