African Refugee And Migrants Aid (ARMA)

In my first act as Minister, I have immediately extended the concession to safeguard skilled workers, tourists and other people affected by visa processing delays at Home Affairs. I have done so after the previous concession expired on 30 June, which left applicants vulnerable to adverse consequences, including erroneously being declared “undesirable” through no fault of their own. Without this concession, international tourists and workers who contribute to our economy would have been punished if their documentation expired while they awaited the outcome of Home Affairs processes. This would not only be unfair and irrational, but would also discourage investment, tourism and skills transfer. Under the concession I granted today, this situation is averted and applicants, businesses and other stakeholders are protected while Home Affairs tackles the backlog of visa applications. Clearing this backlog is an urgent priority and I will keep the public updated as we proceed. The concession now runs until 31 December 2024. However, in a further signal of our commitment to reinvigorate Home Affairs as an economic enabler for South Africa, I pledge that there will not be any repeat of the current situation where the concession expires before an extension is announced. While we work on the backlog, I undertake that any further modification or extension of the concession will be communicated *before* the new expiry date of 31 December 2024. Together, the Home Affairs team will work hard to restore your trust and build South Africa.

We in country were illegal foreigners will go to home affairs and protest about our immigration laws this government and nonsensical NGOs have ruined this country.....