On 29 March 2023, the South African Department of Home Affairs (DHA) announced that holders of Long-Term Visas who submitted waiver or renewal applications and did not receive a decision regarding their application by 31 March 2023 received automatic extensions until 31 December 2023. This extension was enacted to mitigate the impact of current backlogs in visa application processing and issuance. Individuals who benefit from the automatic extension include holders of Long-Term Visas issued for the purpose of work, business, study or family reunification or to dependent spouses of primary applicants. These individuals may continue to conduct activities authorized under the terms of their current visa. They may depart from and re-enter South Africa prior to 31 December 2023 without facing penalties (e.g., being declared undesirable) even if their renewal application has not been adjudicated.
A Tax Alert prepared by EY's People Advisory Services group, and attached below, provides additional details.
