In response to recent concerns regarding South Africa’s visa extension procedures, Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi has provided clarification, emphasizing that tourists will not be chased out of the country. The leaked directive from the Department of Home Affairs, causing unease among international visitors, has been addressed by Motsoaledi, aiming to reassure tourists and clarify the misunderstood memo.
The Department of Home Affairs issued a directive on December 21, 2023, outlining the process for tourists wishing to extend their stay in South Africa. The directive highlighted the requirement for tourists awaiting visa renewal outcomes beyond February 23, 2024, to make arrangements to depart the country by February 29, 2024, to avoid being declared undesirable.
The directive, titled “Concession: Extension of Temporary Concession in Respect of Foreign Nationals,” aimed to address the backlog in processing outcomes on waiver, visa, and appeal applications. It emphasized the importance of adhering to visa regulations while awaiting renewal outcomes.
Minister Motsoaledi clarified the directive during the State of the Nation Address debate, stating that tourists with extension applications pending should not be deemed undesirable. He emphasized that possessing a receipt for a visa extension application serves as proof of an extended visa until the application outcome is determined.
Motsoaledi reiterated that tourists on short-term visas must abide by the Immigration Act, which allows a maximum stay of 90 days, extendable to a total of 180 days. Failure to adhere to these regulations may result in being declared undesirable, barring future entry into the country.
Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille further affirmed that tourists who have applied for visa extensions can remain in the country until a decision is made on their applications. Additionally, those yet to apply for extensions are encouraged to do so within the stipulated timelines.
Despite the clarification provided by the ministers, concerns were raised by David Frost, CEO of the Southern African Tourism Services Association (SATSA), regarding the timeliness of the response. Frost emphasized the importance of prompt clarification to ensure tourists can make informed decisions and plan their vacations with confidence.
The clarification on South Africa’s visa extension policy aims to alleviate concerns among tourists and provide assurance regarding their stay in the country. By addressing misunderstandings surrounding the leaked directive, the government seeks to uphold transparency and facilitate a positive tourism experience in South Africa.
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