On 29 November 2023, Minister Aaron Motsoaledi gave ZEP holders an early Christmas gift with the announcement of a ZEP visa extension and a new exemption visa that’ll enable them to remain in South Africa until 2025.
Read more Relief for ZEP visa holders in South Africa
Minister of Home Affairs Aaron Motsoaledi announced the publication of the White Paper on Citizenship, Immigration and Refugee Protection on Sunday, 12 November.
The White Paper advocates for a complete overhaul of South Africa’s migration system.
Read more Complete overhaul of SA’s migration system on the cards
South Africa’s Immigration Act allows foreign nationals to apply for permanent residency of South Africa.
While the wait for PR is long, it is worth it. For starters, PR allows for greater flexibility and security. It also creates the opportunity for immediate family members to apply for permanent residency.
Read more Permanent Residency of South Africa: Let’s answer your questions
On 3 October 2023, the Department of Home Affairs gazetted a new critical skills list. The Department added two new occupations to the critical skills list.
Additionally, eligible Candidate Engineers qualify to apply for critical skills work visas yet again and university lecturers no longer need professional body registration.
Read more Home Affairs updates South Africa’s critical skills list
Operation Vulindlela, a joint initiative of the Presidency and National Treasury, released a progress update with critical milestones and highlights achieved during the second quarter of 2023.
These milestones included the completion of the work visa review and visa reforms to support the growth of South Africa’s tourism industry.
Read more Operation Vulindlela reports on reforms to South Africa’s visa system
In June 2023, a parliamentary Q&A session revealed that over 3,000 foreign nationals applied for South African Retired Visas between 2020 and 2022.
These foreign nationals came from 112 countries worldwide, including European countries and the United States, but also from countries on our own continent.
Read more Foreign nationals are choosing South Africa for their retirement
Moving to SA? Then you’ll want to read this guide to buying and renting a property in South Africa.
We discuss each process in detail, including the costs involved, and share average rental and property prices. Read more What you should know about buying and renting property in South Africa
Are you familiar with the Financially Independent Permit of South Africa?
It’s a permit that grants permanent residence – and thus offers you the flexibility to work, study, retire or start a business in South Africa without limitations. Read more Unlocking Opportunities: Exploring South Africa’s Financially Independent Permit
On 13 April 2023, the Department of Home Affairs released a Directive that eases radiological and police clearance certificate requirements for temporary and permanent residency applicants. Read more New Immigration Directive brings positive changes!
On 29 March 2023, the Department of Home Affairs announced a further visa extension for visa and waiver applicants.
The announcement came just in time for anxious visa holders, as the current extension was set to expire on 31 March – a mere 48 hours later. Read more Last-minute blanket visa extension from Home Affairs
