The Department of Home Affairs has just issued Immigration Directive No. 22 of 2025, extending temporary concessions until 31 March 2026 for:
✅ Waiver applicants (pending applications)
✅ Visa appeal applicants (pending outcomes)
WHAT THIS MEANS:
If you have a waiver or visa appeal still pending, you remain protected from being declared undesirable under section 30(1)(h) of the Immigration Act.
You may depart and re-enter South Africa, provided you can show proof of your pending application via VFS Global.
WHAT HAS CHANGED:
The previous directive applied only to visa holders with pending waivers or appeals.
The update now applies directly to waiver applicants and visa appeal applicants regardless of whether the underlying visa has expired.
This is an important and positive step, since most people seeking these concessions no longer hold valid visas and would otherwise face severe prejudice.
OUR VIEW:
We welcome and commend the Department for recognising this gap and making the concession more practical. 👏
That said, one key category is still excluded: long-term visa applications pending for more than 90 days. These applicants, who have acted in good faith, remain vulnerable despite delays being entirely due to the Department’s backlog.
We remain hopeful that a further amendment will follow, extending protection to this group as well.
We trust the Minister, acting in good faith and in line with the rule of law, will ensure that correct, lawful and fair procedures ultimately apply to all. His willingness to refine these directives shows a responsiveness that is rare in government and if continued, it will position Home Affairs as a Department that listens, adapts, and leads with integrity.
📩 For assistance or tailored advice, contact us at: info@dsdlaw.co.za