In response to recent queries raised by Ms. T A Khanyile from the DA party, the Minister of Home Affairs clarified the Department’s stance on visa processing delays. The Minister noted that while no formal memorandum was received from the State Attorney’s office in Cape Town, media reports hinted at its existence. Investigations revealed informal communication between junior officials, lacking authorization and containing inaccuracies. Regarding the breakdown of the 95,000 visa backlog, there were no backlogs in Critical Skills, Business, and General Work Visas. However, the majority of delays ..read more

What is the reality of digital nomads living and working in South Africa? Well, imagine waking up to the sound of waves crashing against the shore, with the sun shining over the horizon. This scene is a reality for many digital nomads in South Africa. Known as one of the top tourist destinations, with Cape Town being one of the most beautiful cities in the world, let’s see why South Africa is great for Digital Nomads. Flexible Workspaces South Africa offers a variety of co-working spaces, cafes, and innovative hubs. Whether you prefer busy urban environments like Johannesburg or the laid-back ..read more

Are you considering moving to South Africa? Understanding the visa requirements is crucial for a smooth transition. Whether you’re relocating for work, to study, or retirement, South Africa offers a range of visa options . Let us walk you through the process of obtaining the right visa for your stay in South Africa. Do I Need a Visa to Move to South Africa? Yes, anyone planning to reside in South Africa for more than three months must obtain a visa. The type of visa you need depends on your purpose of travel and how long you plan to stay. Here are some visa options offered in South Africa; &n ..read more

In a rapidly evolving global economy, the demand for specialized skills remains high. South Africa’s introduction of a digital nomad visa is a response to the swift changes in the world of work, attracting more professionals to the benefits of living and working remotely. This trend also appeals to digital nomads, who can work from virtually any location worldwide. “A remote worker who wants to work in South Africa while being employed by a foreign company will be able to receive such a visa,” President Ramaphosa announced in his weekly newsletter. With this move, South Africa joins Namibia, C ..read more

In a landmark move dated February 8, 2024, the Department of Home Affairs presents the Remote Work Visa, a highly anticipated development set to revolutionize remote work opportunities in South Africa. This visa, often referred to as the Digital Nomad Visa, aims to cater to the needs of remote workers seeking to reside in South Africa while working for overseas employers. Key highlights of the Remote Work Visa include: Long-awaited Implementation: After much anticipation, the Draft Regulations for the Remote Worker Visa are out for comment. This initiative acknowledges the growing trend of re ..read more

In this legal case before the High Court of South Africa from 18 of April 2023 (Case number: 21573/2021), the court addressed the crucial issue of converting Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) work visas to permanent residency. The Department of Home Affairs had initially rejected the applications of U.S. citizens for permanent residency, asserting that the ICT visa, intended for temporary international assignments for skill transfer, does not support a change to permanent residency status. The court, however, found this interpretation by the Department inconsistent with the Immigration Act of 2002 ..read more

The Bundestag recently passed a groundbreaking amendment to the Nationality Act (StAG), which massively simplifies the acquisition of dual citizenship. This new regulation is of great importance – both for foreign citizens who want to acquire German citizenship and for Germans who want to acquire foreign citizenship. Let’s take Max Müller’s example: As a German who has been living in South Africa with a permanent residence permit for more than five years, he would like to acquire South African citizenship. Under the old legislation, this was a complex process requiring a retention application ..read more

In response to the ongoing challenges with the visa and permitting backlog, the Department of Home Affairs has approved the extension of temporary measures to alleviate the impact on foreign nationals awaiting outcomes on waiver, visa, and appeal applications. The following measures take immediate effect: For applicants with pending waiver applications as of 30 November 2023, a further temporary extension until 30 June 2024 is granted. This allows the Department to process applications and enables applicants to collect outcomes and submit appropriate visa applications. Those choosing to abando ..read more

The Constitutional Court has made a significant ruling, resulting in positive changes for foreign parents of South African citizens or permanent resident children. If you’re a foreign spouse or partner holding a Visitor’s Visa 11(6) based on your marital or spousal relationship, and unfortunately facing a divorce or the end of your relationship, there’s good news.  There is now an opportunity to apply for a Relatives Visa within three months of the relationship’s conclusion if you have a South African citizen or permanent resident child and are actively fulfilling parental responsibilitie ..read more

The Home Affairs Minister of South Africa, Aaron Motsoaledi, has announced a two-year extension of exemption permits for Lesotho and Zimbabwean nationals residing in the country.  The Lesotho Exemption Permit (LEP) for around 54,653 holders and the Zimbabwean Exemption Permit (ZEP) for about 178,000 holders were initially set to expire on December 31, 2023. The decision to extend the permits until the end of 2025 was made under Section 31(2)(b) of the Immigration Act, granting the minister wide powers in special circumstances.  The new permits will be published in the government gaze ..read more