On 30 June 2026, the Minister of Home Affairs issued Ministerial Immigration Directive No. 11 of 2026 (the “Directive”), granting an extension of temporary visa concessions for foreign nationals from countries affected by the ongoing military conflict in the Middle East and Gulf region.1
WHY THIS MATTERS
This Directive addresses the immigration challenges facing globally mobile employees, airline crew, and other foreign nationals from specific Middle East and Gulf countries who are unable to return home from South Africa due to continuing flight limitations. The concessions reduce the risk of non-compliance with South African immigration law, prevent automatic declarations of undesirability for affected individuals, and offer practical solutions for maintaining lawful status.
Background
Previously, foreign nationals whose South African visas expired due to travel restrictions risked penalties and being declared undesirable, even when circumstances were beyond their control. The ongoing military conflict has resulted in flight suspensions and border closures, making timely departure impossible for many. The Directive extends prior concessions and introduces new measures to accommodate those affected by these exceptional circumstances.
Key Highlights
Ministerial Immigration Directive No. 11 of 2026 provides temporary relief for foreign nationals legally admitted to South Africa from the following countries: Iran, Iraq, Syria, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Israel, Palestine, Jordan, and Oman.
- Visitor’s visa extensions: Passengers and airline crew with expiring long-term visas may apply for a visitor’s visa under section 11(1)(a) before expiry; no change of status or conditions permitted. Those whose visitor’s visas have reached their maximum validity may reapply for the same visa with identical conditions for up to three months.
- Renewal without FORM 20: Affected persons whose temporary residence visas have expired may submit renewal applications without first obtaining FORM 20 (normally required for “illegal foreigners” seeking status).
- Overstay and undesirability relief: Foreign nationals with pending applications who depart as soon as flights are available should not be declared undesirable due to overstay. Those declared undesirable after 26 February 2026 due to conflict-related delays may appeal by submitting evidence to middleeast.overstay@dha.gov.za.
- Applicability and duration: This initiative applies only to those who entered South Africa legally through a port of entry. It is valid until 30 November 2026 or until a ceasefire and full reopening of travel in the affected region, whichever occurs first.
KPMG INSIGHTS
In light of the changes, organisations and entities might wish to consider:
- Employers could identify employees, airline crew members, and other travelers who may fall within the scope of the Directive.
- Employers may review internal immigration tracking processes for individuals whose South African visas are close to expiry.
- Affected individuals should consider verifying whether they may use the relevant visitor’s visa or renewal pathways described in the Directive.
- Employers may remind affected individuals who were declared undesirable after 26 February 2026 to seek advice on whether the appeal route referenced in the Directive may be available.
- Mobility teams could monitor whether the temporary measures remain in place through 30 November 2026 or are lifted earlier.
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).
ENDNOTE:
1 Minister of Home Affairs, Republic of South Africa, “Ministerial immigration directive no. 11 of 2026,” published on 30 June 2026.
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.
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