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Extension of temporary Visa concession to foreign nationals affected by Middle East and Gulf region conflict

🇿🇦 South Africa1 recorded versionLast change 12 Aug 2026
ConfidenceVery high · 100%

Current rules

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.

Overview

Immigration Directive No. 11 of 2026, issued by the Department of Home Affairs, extends a temporary visa concession. This concession is specifically for foreign nationals currently in South Africa on Temporary Residence Visas who are impacted by the ongoing military conflict in the Middle East and Gulf region. The directive aims to provide continued legal status to this specific group.

Who is affected by the latest change

  • Foreign nationals lawfully admitted to South Africa
  • Nationals of Iran
  • Nationals of Iraq
  • Nationals of Syria
  • Nationals of Qatar
  • Nationals of Bahrain
  • Nationals of Kuwait
  • Nationals of Lebanon
  • Nationals of Saudi Arabia
  • Nationals of the UAE
  • Nationals of Israel
  • Palestinians
  • Nationals of Jordan
  • Nationals of Oman
  • Airline passengers affected by flight disruptions
  • Airline crew affected by flight disruptions

What changed in the latest version

Before

The first concession in March 2026 lasted until 31 May 2026. Or it lasted until a ceasefire allowed normal travel again. It gave similar help to people who could not leave South Africa because Middle East airspace was closed.

After

The concession now lasts until 30 November 2026. Or it lasts until a ceasefire is announced and normal travel to the affected region fully starts again. This will be whichever happens first. People with eligible long-term visas can apply for a visitor's visa before their current visa runs out. Holders of visitor's visas who have reached their maximum time can apply for the same visa for up to three more months. People with Temporary Residence Visas that have run out can apply for renewal without first getting a Form 20. People with pending applications who cannot leave because of the conflict should not be declared undesirable for overstaying as a result.

This policy change is important for people who hold Temporary Residence Visas in South Africa. It helps those who are displaced or facing hardship due to the military conflict in the Middle East and Gulf region. It shows that the South African government is taking a kind approach to offer some help or continued legal stay for this specific group. The extension suggests that the authorities understand the long-lasting effects of the conflict on these people. It may stop them from being unable to go home or meet previous visa rules. It specifically deals with the problems faced by these people affected by war.

Explained simply

Imagine there's a big problem or war happening in a part of the world, like the Middle East. If you're from one of those places and you're in South Africa with a temporary permit to stay, South Africa is giving you more time or a special pass so you don't have to leave right away because of the trouble back home.

Frequently asked

Version history

  1. v1Effective 30 Jun 2026PublishedMedium impact
    Extension of temporary Visa concession to foreign nationals affected by Middle East and Gulf region conflict

    South Africa's Immigration Directive No. 11 of 2026 extends a temporary visa concession. This concession is for foreign nationals who currently hold a Temporary Residence Visa. It applies to those people specifically affected by the ongoing military conflict in the Middle East and the Gulf region.

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