The Minister of Home Affairs has responded to the travel bans imposed by a number of countries on travellers coming from South Africa, and on certain airlines stopping their flights to and/or from the country. By directive published today, the following has been put in place:
1. Persons awaiting the outcome of a waiver application may remain in South Africa until 31 March 2022 and, once received, make their visa application from here, or leave the country by 31 March 2022 without being declared undesirable.
2. Persons awaiting the outcome of a visa application receive a blanket extension of their previous visa until 31 March 2022. They may continue with their previous activities as per their expired visas, or leave the country without being declared undesirable. When returning to South Africa, normal visa entry requirements apply.
3. Visitors who arrived from 1 October 2021 and whose visitor’s visas have expired or are about to expire, and who are affected by the travel bans, receive a blanket extension until 31 March 2022 up until which time they may leave without being declared undesirable.
4. NEW PERMANENT RESIDENTS who have received their permanent residence permits whilst outside the country, and who have been unable to enter South Africa to validate their permits within the given period, receive another extension of such period until 31 July 2022.
The IMCOSA team is going into a break from 22 December to 4 January and will be available for questions and support again from 5 January 2022.
Wishing our clients and partners a peaceful festive season and a smooth transition into 2022
Your IMCOSA Team