Work & skilled workersPublishedMedium impactVerified

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 allowance from March 2026 lasted until 31 May 2026. It could also end earlier if a ceasefire allowed travel to restart. It gave similar help to people who could not leave South Africa. This was because Middle East airspace was closed.

After

The allowance now lasts until 30 November 2026. Or it ends if a ceasefire is announced and normal travel to the affected area fully starts again. Whichever happens first. Long-term visa holders who qualify can apply for a visitor's visa before their current visa ends. Visitor-visa holders who have stayed for the longest time allowed can apply for the same visa again for up to three more months. People whose temporary residence visas have ended can apply to renew them without first getting a Form 20. A Form 20 is a document usually needed for people who are in the country illegally. People who qualify and have ongoing applications but cannot leave because of the conflict should not be called 'undesirable' for staying longer than allowed.

This policy change is important for people in South Africa who have Temporary Residence Visas. These people are facing displacement or hardship because of military conflict in the Middle East and Gulf region. It shows that the South African government is taking a kind action. It gives some form of help or allows them to stay in the country legally. The extension means that the authorities understand the conflict affects these people for a long time. It can stop them from not being able to go home or meet their past visa rules. It specifically helps people affected by this 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

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

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.