On Sunday 11 July 2021 South Africa announced the extension of Level 4 Lockdown Restrictions with a further 14 days after the initial 14 days announced on 28 June had lapsed. This was in line with the advice of health experts and analysts who are convinced that the third wave of Covid-19 infections is in full swing.
As part of the regulations under Level 4 interprovincial travel from and to Gauteng is prohibited unless one possesses a confirmation letter to justify such travel between provinces.
On 30 June 2021 the Minister of Home Affairs published amended immigration regulations in the Government Gazette, to give directions with regards to international travel. The below are a few notes from the new regulations published under the Disaster Management Act of 2002.
- Validity of temporary Visas extended to 30 September 2021 provided that such Visa was issued between December 2019 and 14 March 2021 and the holder has remained in the Republic. In the event that such Visa was issued as from 15 March 2021 to date, the extension does not apply and upon expiry date on such Visa the holder is required to immediately leave the Republic of South Africa or risk being declared as undesirable;
- Holders of Visas which are more than 90 days up to 3 years i.e Study, Treaty, Business, Medical Treatment, Relative, General Work, Retired Person, Critical Skills and Exchange Visas which expired during the national state of disaster, are required to apply online on or before 30 September 2021 or leave the Republic;
- Permanent Residence Permits applications to be done as from 1 January 2022 ;
- Appeals for permanent residence permit applications as from 1 October 2021 ;
- A list of 33 closed ports of entry was published.
It is evident from the above that the Department of Home Affairs may be slowly lifting the reprieve to foreign nationals who hold Visas that expired during the disaster management period. It then becomes important for one to be prepared fully when the reprieve is fully lifted especially with the vaccination drive in full swing.
At Immigration Law Associates we strong advise that holders of expired Visas issued for more than 90 days, contact us so that we can assist to regularise their stay. The processes are fraught with legal and technical hurdles which our expertise and experience clear with absolute precision.
We stand ready to assist in a wide array of other legal immigration matters so that you can explore and pursue your opportunities across borders legally. Our approach is professional, comprehensive and counters the hurdles in immigration. Contact us for an appointment and consultation.
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