26 Jun SA Visa Appeals 2026: Section 8 & Amnesty Extension
On the 30th of March 2026, the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) issued Immigration Directive No.7, which was set to take effect from the 1st of April 2026 until the 30th of June 2027. The Directive outlines further temporary protections that have been granted to foreign nationals with pending visa, waiver, and appeal applications.
Given the Department’s efforts to address corruption and high demand, the finalisation of these applications has been delayed. However, it is stated that the DHA has made significant progress addressing its historic administrative backlog, and is currently focused on further development of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system (which is currently only available to a limited audience) in the aim of increasing efficiency.
Applicants with Pending Visa Appeal Applications
Long-term visa applicants who have, in terms of section 8(4) or (6) of the Immigration Act, appealed a negative decision on their application and are still awaiting an outcome as of the 30th of March 2026, will be granted a temporary extension of their current visa status.
However, it is important to note that such applicants are not permitted to engage in any activity other than what is specified on their current visa conditions, and that this does not apply to tourist visa appeals in terms of section 11(1).
How Does This Influence Travel?
All foreign nationals who need to travel while still waiting on the outcome of their temporary residency appeal application are allowed to depart from and return to South Africa up until the 30th of June 2027 without being declared as ‘undesirable’.
However, it is important to note that all long-term visa appeal applicants are required to produce a copy of their rejection letter, along with receipts of their appeal application, upon both their departure from and return to South Africa.
Applicants from countries that are not visa-exempt need to present the above-mentioned proof of rejection and receipt of their appeal application upon departure, and are further required to apply for a port of entry visa that will allow them re-entry into South Africa.
Who Qualifies for the Extension?
The temporary concessions set out by the Directive apply to:
- Foreign nationals who have already been legally admitted into South Africa.
- Applicants who have submitted their application via Visa Facilitation Services (VFS) Global and can produce a verifiable receipt for their application against the VFS Global tracking system.
At June Luna Immigration Attorneys, our in-depth knowledge of the inner workings of the DHA enables our experienced team to accelerate the application process and increase the likelihood of a favourable outcome.
CONTACT us today and allow our dedicated team of attorneys to assist you throughout the appeal process.