On 30 March 2026, the Department of Home Affairs of South Africa issued Immigration Directive No. 7 of 2026 (the “Directive”), which extends temporary concessions for foreign nationals affected by delayed processing of waiver, visa, and appeal applications. The Directive sets out measures, effective from 1 April 2026, for individuals with pending applications submitted via VFS Global.1
WHY THIS MATTERS
This Directive directly affects global mobility programs, employers, and foreign nationals residing or working in South Africa under various visa categories. The extended concessions mitigate risks of non-compliance and removal for foreign nationals whose applications remain pending due to administrative backlogs. The measures also reduce the risk of individuals being declared undesirable, a status that could otherwise have long-term negative implications for both employees and their employers. For globally mobile employees, the Directive provides continued legal status, enabling them to maintain their employment, residency, and travel plans while awaiting outcomes.
Background
Prior to the Directive, temporary concessions were set out in Immigration Directive No. 22 of 2025,2 providing relief to foreign nationals affected by processing delays in the visa and permit regime. The Department of Home Affairs has since made progress in addressing backlogs and is transitioning to an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system, but persistent delays necessitated further extensions of these measures.
Key Highlights
The Department of Home Affairs has extended temporary concessions for foreign nationals with pending waiver, visa, and appeal applications due to ongoing processing delays. Effective 1 April 2026, these measures provide a further extension of legal status and facilitate travel without penalty until 30 June 2027. The Directive aims to protect affected individuals from being declared undesirable and supports the Department’s efforts to clear remaining backlogs as it migrates to the new Electronic Travel Authorisation system.
Pending waiver applications
- Visa holders with pending waiver applications as of 30 March 2026 receive an extension of status until 30 June 2027.
- Such individuals may depart and re-enter South Africa without being declared undesirable, provided they comply with documentation requirements.
- Non–visa exempt nationals are required to apply for a port of entry visa for re-entry.
Pending long-term visa applications
- Holders of long-term visas (sections 11(1)(b) to 20, including section 22) with pending applications receive an extension until 30 June 2027.
- The right to remain is limited to current visa conditions.
- Travel is permitted without penalty, with re-entry procedures similar to those for waiver applicants.
Pending appeal applications
- Applicants who have filed appeals in terms of section 8(4) or (6) of the Immigration Act for long-term visas are granted an extension of status until 30 June 2027.
- Travel is permitted with the requisite documentation; non–visa exempt nationals are required to apply for a port of entry visa for re-entry.
Exclusion
- The concession does not apply to pending appeals for visitor’s visa renewals under section 11(1)(a) if the appeal has been pending for more than three months; affected individuals are required to depart by 30 April 2026.
- The Directive does not apply to permanent residence permit applicants.
General conditions
- The concessions apply only to applicants who submitted via VFS Global with verifiable receipts.
- All temporary measures cease upon issuance of an outcome, and compliance with new conditions is required immediately.
KPMG INSIGHTS
The extension reflects continued administrative challenges in processing high volumes of immigration applications in South Africa. The introduction of the Electronic Travel Authorisation system is intended to address underlying inefficiencies, but transitional measures remain necessary to protect affected foreign nationals and avoid disruptions to business continuity.
In light of the changes, organisations and entities might wish to consider the following:
- Organisations could review the status of all foreign employees and assignees in South Africa to determine who benefits from the extended concessions.
- Employers could remind affected employees of the specific travel documentation requirements to avoid being declared undesirable, especially for non–visa exempt nationals.
- Assignment planning could be adjusted to account for the new deadlines, and travel could be coordinated in line with the extended concessions.
- Companies could monitor further communications from the Department of Home Affairs regarding the ETA system and any additional changes to immigration procedures.
If readers have any questions or concerns about the scope of the update, its application and potential impacts, and appropriate next steps, they should consult with their qualified immigration professional or a member of the GMS immigration team with KPMG in South Africa (see the Contacts section).
ENDNOTES:
1 Department of Home Affairs, Republic of South Africa, “Immigration-Directive_7 of 2026,” published on 30 March 2026.
2 Department of Home Affairs, Republic of South Africa, “Immigration-Directive_22 of 2025,” published on 30 September 2025.
Contacts
Disclaimer
* Please note the KPMG International member firm in the United States does not provide immigration or labour law services. However, KPMG Law LLP in Canada can assist clients with U.S. immigration matters.
The information contained in this newsletter was submitted by the KPMG International member firm in South Africa.
GMS Flash Alert is a Global Mobility Services publication of the KPMG LLP Washington National Tax practice. The KPMG name and logo are trademarks used under license by the independent member firms of the KPMG global organization. KPMG International Limited is a private English company limited by guarantee and does not provide services to clients. No member firm has any authority to obligate or bind KPMG International or any other member firm vis-à-vis third parties, nor does KPMG International have any such authority to obligate or bind any member firm. The information contained herein is of a general nature and is not intended to address the circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Although we endeavor to provide accurate and timely information, there can be no guarantee that such information is accurate as of the date it is received or that it will continue to be accurate in the future. No one should act on such information without appropriate professional advice after a thorough examination of the particular situation.
© 2026 KPMG Services Proprietary Limited, a South African company with registration number 1999/012876/07 and a member firm of the KPMG global organisation of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International Limited, a private English company limited by guarantee. All rights reserved.