Immigration Directive No.7 of 2026: Extension of temporary concession for foreign nationals related to delayed processing of waiver, visa and appeal applications
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.
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Policy history
Each version stays exactly as it was published. This one is version 1 and sits in a chain of versions you can read separately.
Immigration Directive No.7 of 2026: Extension of temporary concession for foreign nationals related to delayed processingoborda 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.
Related changes
Immigration Act: First Amendment of the Regulations on Fees
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
South Africa Expands Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) and Trusted Employer Scheme, Announces Digital ID and Home Affairs @ Home Reforms
What changed
South Africa's Department of Home Affairs is making big changes under 'Home Affairs @ home'. It is moving immigration and citizen services online. The Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is now active for short-stay visitors from China, India, Indonesia, and Mexico. Before, the ETA was only a plan. The Department plans to add other visa types, like study visas, by the end of 2026. This system has handled over 203,000 applications. It has also found fraud. The Trusted Employer Scheme now includes major infrastructure projects, companies setting up headquarters, and financial services. Applications for this scheme are due by 4 September. Visitors already in South Africa can now apply online for a 90-day visa extension using the ETA. This replaces an old paper system. More South Africans can now get Smart ID Cards. Services are available at over 500 bank branches, with a goal of 750 by the end of the year. Passport applications and first-time Smart ID applications will also move to bank branches later.
Published 12 Aug 2026Effective 12 Aug 2026Department of Home Affairs — Statements and speeches
South Africa waives medical report requirement for Visa and Permanent Residence applications
What changed
South Africa's Department of Home Affairs (DHA) issued Ministerial Immigration Directive No. 10 of 2026. This directive waives the need for people to give a medical report when they apply for a temporary residence visa or permanent residence. This waiver applies to applications made inside or outside South Africa. It also covers applications that were already waiting for a decision.
Published 17 Jul 2026Effective 8 Jul 2026Department of Home Affairs — Notices, gazettes and directives
Extension of temporary Visa concession to foreign nationals affected by Middle East and Gulf region conflict
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