Current policies in this category for South Africa. Each policy page holds the rules in force today plus every recorded version and before/after comparison.
Work & skilled workers
South Africa has proposed amendments to the immigration-fee regulations. The amendment was published as Government Notice 7834. It appears in Government Gazette 55209. The proposal is part of the Department of Home Affairs' process for changing the fees prescribed under the Immigration Act. The proposed fees should not yet be treated as final fees. Existing fees continue to apply until the amendment legally takes effect.
Work & skilled workers
The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has extended a temporary concession for foreign nationals in South Africa until 30 June 2027. This concession grants temporary legal protection to those whose visa, waiver, or appeal applications are experiencing delayed processing.
Work & skilled workers
The concession is extended until 30 November 2026, or until a ceasefire is declared and normal travel to the affected region fully resumes, whichever happens first. Eligible long-term visa holders can apply for a visitor's visa before expiry; visitor-visa holders who have reached their maximum validity can apply for the same visa for up to three additional months; and holders of expired temporary residence visas can submit renewal applications without first obtaining a Form 20. Eligible people with pending applications who cannot leave because of the conflict should not be declared undesirable for the resulting overstay.
Work & skilled workers
The Critical Skills Work Visa is issued in accordance with the critical skills list, which was developed in conjunction with the occupations in high demand and scarce skills lists of the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET). It aims to assist the government in achieving National Development Plan (NDP), Industrial Policy Action Plan (IPAP), New Growth Plan (NGP), National Infrastructure Project, Strategic Infrastructure Projects, and Key National Strategic Projects.
Work & skilled workers
The new rules establish: • A specific foreign income threshold for individuals applying for the remote work visitor visa. • Clarification on when local tax registration becomes mandatory for remote workers operating under this visa.
Work & skilled workers
Current rules for this policy, plus every recorded change.
Work & skilled workers
Current rules for this policy, plus every recorded change.
Work & skilled workers
Current rules for this policy, plus every recorded change.
Work & skilled workers
Current rules for this policy, plus every recorded change.
What changed
South Africa published an amendment to its Immigration Act. It is called 'Immigration Act: First Amendment of the Regulations on Fees'. This amendment changes the fees for immigration services or applications. The government published this notice on 17 August 2026. The specific new fees and when they start are not in this notice.
Published 17 Aug 2026South African Government — Gazette notices feed
What changed
Immigration Directive No. 11 of 2026 in South Africa makes a temporary Visa allowance. This allowance helps foreign nationals who currently hold Temporary Residence Visas. These people must be directly affected by the ongoing military conflict in the Middle East and the Gulf region.
Published 30 Jun 2026Effective 30 Jun 2026Department of Home Affairs — Notices, gazettes and directives
What changed
South Africa's Department of Home Affairs has extended a temporary permission for foreign nationals. This permission helps foreign nationals when their waiver, visa, and appeal applications are slow. It gives these foreign nationals temporary legal protection in South Africa. They can stay lawful until 30 June 2027.
Published 30 Mar 2026Effective 1 Apr 2026Department of Home Affairs — Notices, gazettes and directives
What changed
South Africa created the Critical Skills Work Visa (CSWV). It takes the place of the old Exceptional Skills and Quota Work visas. This new visa uses a Critical Skills List. This list was made with the Department of Higher Education and Training's lists of jobs in high demand and rare skills. The policy also changed how to renew visas. Most applicants must now have an employment contract. People in life or earth sciences and academia without an employer must show they have enough money. They must show this every 12 months. The policy removed some requirements. These include needing publications, certificates from the Department of Labour, and study approvals. Police clearance certificates are not needed for extensions if the person has been in South Africa for less than 12 months.
Published 9 Oct 2024Effective 9 Oct 2024Department of Home Affairs — Immigration section (rule pages)
What changed
Rules for a points-based general work visa and a remote work visitor visa are now active. They include set income levels and a clear income test for remote workers.
Published 9 Oct 2024Effective 9 Oct 2024South African Government — News
goborda provides monitoring and explanation of publicly available policy information. It is not legal advice. Always confirm with the official source or a licensed immigration professional before acting.