Latest Developments In South African Immigration: Point-Based System, Remote Work Visa, Visa Backlogs And Extended Concessions

Over the past 10 months, the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) rolled out several significant changes that will impact the immigration space in South Africa. These include the appointment of a new Minister of Home Affairs, the introduction of a point-based immigration system (not applicable to Zimbabwean Exemption Permit holders) and remote work visas, and an extension of temporary concession allowing foreign nationals to stay in South Africa while waiting for the outcome of their pending applications.

Continuous reports of visa processing delays have raised concerns about the challenges to the current immigration processes, particularly the immigration restrictions placed on skilled individuals and the burdensome effect that this is having on South Africa's economic growth. While the government is still working on solutions to such concerns and contemplating proposed reforms to the current immigration legislation, we provide an overview of the current situation and