28 Apr SA Committed to Strict Visa Turnaround Times – Did it Work?
In a circular issued on the 2nd of December 2025, it has been confirmed that the Chief Directorate for Permits will be bound by a formal, defined timeframe for visa and permit adjudication. This includes temporary residence, permanent residence, waiver and exemption applications, as well as appeals and rectification applications.
This commitment has been implemented due to a comprehensive review of all products, which revealed a critical gap. Permits have historically been processed without formally defined turnaround times for products or enabling documents. These turnaround times were informally aligned with APP and AOP targets, despite these products not being included in those plans.
This lack of a defined timeframe has, unsurprisingly, led to confusion and inconsistent communication.
The Department of Home Affairs’ (DHA) decision to publish turnaround times is a vital step towards accountability, transparency, improved service delivery, and reduced fraud risk. According to the Medium Term Development Plan (MTDP), a key priority for the DHA is to reform the visa regime in order to attract skills, grow tourism, and promote investment in support of economic growth and job creation.
As of recently, the DHA has significantly improved visa processing times, showing promise of improved efficiency, accountability, and predictability. However, despite these improvements, the past year has experienced a big surge in legal action taken against the DHA to compel an outcome on overly delayed applications and appeals. Read here what happens when your visa expires.
Remaining Concerns Over Quality of Visa Adjudication and Incorrect Refusals
South Africa’s visa adjudication system is currently implementing a high-pressure push to clear all remaining backlogs, which has resulted in a surge of questionable rejections, inconsistent application of laws, and an overwhelmed appeals process. Although the DHA has increased its operational speed, it would seem to come at the expense of consistency and quality.
Many applicants who fully comply with regulatory requirements are being refused, forcing them to pursue legal action.
Legal intervention remains an essential course of action for applicants facing unreasonable delays or incorrect refusals. Professionally prepared documentation and timely action remain crucial to navigating South Africa’s immigration system. June Luna Immigration Attorneys is a team of experienced legal professionals who specialise in immigration law. Our lawyers are well-versed in navigating the DHA and overcoming delays.
CONTACT US and allow us to assist you in obtaining a timely and favourable outcome on your visa application or appeal.