Important Updates
Important Updates
June 30, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: DHS Proposal to Replace Duration of Status Designation with Fixed Periods of Stay for F, J, and I Nonimmigrants Is Sent to OMB for Review
June 30, 2025 | Japan2025年6月 アメリカ移民法ダイジェスト
June 30, 2025 | Saudi Arabia, United Arab EmiratesArab News: Growing Saudi Film Industry Driving Job Creation, Economic Growth
June 30, 2025 | Costa RicaCosta Rica: Potential Fraud and Technical Issues with General Immigration Directorate’s Website May Cause Delays
June 30, 2025 | 🌐Minimum Salary Changes Announced
June 30, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: DHS Proposal to Replace Duration of Status Designation with Fixed Periods of Stay for F, J, and I Nonimmigrants Is Sent to OMB for Review
June 30, 2025 | Japan2025年6月 アメリカ移民法ダイジェスト
June 30, 2025 | Saudi Arabia, United Arab EmiratesArab News: Growing Saudi Film Industry Driving Job Creation, Economic Growth
June 30, 2025 | Costa RicaCosta Rica: Potential Fraud and Technical Issues with General Immigration Directorate’s Website May Cause Delays
June 30, 2025 | 🌐Minimum Salary Changes Announced
June 30, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: DHS Proposal to Replace Duration of Status Designation with Fixed Periods of Stay for F, J, and I Nonimmigrants Is Sent to OMB for Review
Subscribe
Fragomen.com home
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMedia
Search Fragomen.com
  • Our Services
    For EmployersFor IndividualsBy IndustryCase Studies
  • Our Tech & Innovation
  • Our People
  • Our Insights
    Worldwide Immigration Trends ReportsMagellan SeriesImmigration AlertsEventsMedia MentionsFragomen NewsBlogsPodcasts & Videos
  • Spotlights
    Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump AdministrationTravel & Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle EastImmigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance RoadmapHumanitarian and Evolving Legal Pathways (HELP)Vietnamese ImmigrationAustralian Immigration: New Skills in Demand Visa
  • About Us
    About FragomenOfficesResponsible Business PracticesFirm GovernanceRecognition

Our Services

  • For Employers
  • For Individuals
  • By Industry
  • Case Studies

Our Tech & Innovation

  • Our Approach

Our People

  • Overview / Directory

Our Insights

  • Worldwide Immigration Trends Reports
  • Magellan Series
  • Immigration Alerts
  • Events
  • Media Mentions
  • Fragomen News
  • Blogs
  • Podcasts & Videos

Spotlights

  • Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump Administration
  • Travel & Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle East
  • Immigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance Roadmap
  • Humanitarian and Evolving Legal Pathways (HELP)
  • Vietnamese Immigration
  • Australian Immigration: New Skills in Demand Visa

About Us

  • About Fragomen
  • Offices
  • Responsible Business Practices
  • Firm Governance
  • Recognition
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMedia
  • Insights

Visa Overhaul Plans Outlined in Press Conference

September 27, 2018

insight-news-default

Country / Territory

  • South AfricaSouth Africa

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

The situation

In an effort to improve tourism and business opportunities in South Africa, the Minister of Home Affairs in South Africa announced upcoming amendments to business and tourist visa policies.                                                                                                          

A closer look

The main points the Minister of Home Affairs discussed in the press conference include the following:

  • Travelling with minors. Currently, foreign national minors seeking to travel to South Africa must carry documentation proving parental consent, including an unabridged birth certificate. This documentation will likely become recommended rather than mandatory in December 2018.
    • Impact. Foreign nationals will no longer be barred from entering South Africa without parental consent documentation, though immigration officials may still request such documentation for nationals from high-risk countries. This should make travelling with minors easier.
       
  • Visa waivers. Negotiations are being finalized for visa waiver agreements for ordinary passport holders from the following countries: Algeria, Bahrain, Belarus, Cuba, Egypt, Georgia, Ghana, Iran, Kuwait, Lebanon, Morocco, Oman, Qatar, Sao Tome & Principe, Saharawi-Arab Democratic Republic, Saudi Arabia, State of Palestine, Tunisia and the United Arab Emirates.
    • Impact. Such visa waiver agreements will simplify entry into South Africa for qualified nationals of these countries.
       
  • Simpler visa requirements.  Chinese and Indian nationals will benefit from biometric submission upon arrival (instead of completing this prior to travel) and submission of visa applications via courier (instead of the current in-person submission requirement). The Department of Home Affairs has stated that these benefits should be available by October 2018 and that it will consider extending these benefits to nationals of Kenya, Nigeria and Uganda in the future.
    • Impact. The simplified process will allow easier access into South Africa for business and investment opportunities.
       
  • Long-term multiple entry visas. Long-term multiple entry visas for frequent travelers have been implemented. This includes a three-year multiple entry visa for trusted travelers to South Africa and a ten-year multiple-entry visa for business visits and academics from Africa.
    • Impact. This will ease movement of travelers for tourism, business meetings and academic exchange.
       
  • BRICS Visa. Business travelers from China and India are issued a 10-year multiple entry visa. They can use courier services to apply for their visa, whereas previously they could not.
    • Impact. These benefits will expedite the business visa process for Chinese and Indian nationals.
       
  • Critical skills list review. Consultations are being finalized for the new critical skills list (for the Critical Skills Work Visa) to be reviewed. The review and updated list is expected to be completed by April 2019.
    • Impact. An updated list will allow for further critical skills to be assessed and allowed as part of the Critical Skills Visa program, which should expand the amount of foreign nationals qualifying for a Critical Skills Visa.
       
  • Foreign students with critical skills. Foreign students who graduate from South African institutions within critical skills categories will be offered an opportunity to apply for permanent residence upon graduation. Foreign students not seeking permanent residence may apply for Critical Skills Visa.
    • Impact. This will allow more foreign graduates to permanently reside in South Africa after their studies.
       
  • Biometric Movement Control System, eVisa and eGates. These systems will be piloted at several airports in the upcoming months, to be completed by 2019. The eVisa system will be piloted for South African nationals traveling to New Zealand by April 2019.
    • Impact. The focus on technology and automated systems will allow for a faster, more efficient process for foreign nationals seeking to enter South Africa.

 

Background

The proposed changes follow a regression in tourism and investment in South Africa due in part to complicated and stringent visa requirements.

Looking ahead

Following a successful pilot, the various programs will be institutionalized to create more efficient systems. Fragomen will report on implementation updates.

This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].

Country / Territory

  • South AfricaSouth Africa

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Explore more at Fragomen

Fragomen news

2025年6月 アメリカ移民法ダイジェストLearn more

Media mentions

Arab News: Growing Saudi Film Industry Driving Job Creation, Economic Growth

Partner Abeer Al Husseini highlights how Saudi Arabia’s growing film industry is creating jobs, attracting global talent and supporting economic diversification.

Learn more

Awards

Silicon Valley Business Journal Recognizes Partner Cindy Jen Among 2025 Women of Influence

Partner Cindy Jen is recognized as a 2025 “Woman of Influence” by the Silicon Valley Business Journal.

Learn more

Blog post

2025 LAR and Canada Immigration Trends: Balancing Control and Opportunity

This blog highlights the most significant immigration developments shaping Canada and Latin America in 2025. Drawing from Fragomen’s upcoming 2025 Regional Immigration Overviews—available mid-July—it provides actionable insights and strategic guidance to help businesses and individuals navigate the region’s dynamic immigration landscape.

Learn more

Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: DOL Plans “Emergency Agency” to Approve H-2A Visas

Partner Rachel Beardsley highlights how employment-based immigration supports the US agricultural sector amid labor shortages and evolving policies.

Learn more

Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: Middle East Tensions Show Importance of Caring for Mobile Talent

Partner Abeer Al Husseini shares how employers can support mobile talent through travel readiness, immigration awareness and a people-focused approach.

Learn more

Blog post

The EB-1C Green Card for Multinational Managers and Executives: Exploring Non-Traditional Pathways to Permanent Residency

Associate Whitney Luman discusses the EB-1C Green Card for multinational managers and executives, exploring non-traditional pathways to permanent residency.

Learn more

Video

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) | Staying in Canada Post-Graduation

Partner Jack Kim discusses one of many immigration pathways for staying in Canada post-graduation, the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).

Learn more

Blog post

A New Beginning: The Rise of Highly Skilled Visa and Digital Nomad Visa Options in APAC

Practice Leader Kate Praphakornphiphat, Senior Manager Amy Zhang, Immigration Program Manager Melissa Ngeow and Senior Knowledge Management Specialist Faye Amorado discuss the increasing popularity of highly skilled visas and digital nomad visas in the Asia-Pacific region.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Canada's Semiconductor Council: Strengthening Canada’s Semiconductor Talent Pipeline for Global Competitiveness

Partner Cosmina Morariu contributed to Canada’s Semiconductor Council 2025 Talent & Workforce Development report, highlighting immigration’s role in closing talent gaps.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen Recognized with Community Service Award at Woori Center 2025 Gala

Fragomen was honored with the Community Service Award at the Woori Center 2025 Gala on June 21, 2025 in Philadelphia.

Learn more

Media mentions

People Management: How HR Can Prepare for the ETIAS Rollout

Manager Andreia Florina Ghimis explains how HR teams can prepare for the EU’s new ETIAS travel authorisation system by communicating changes, supporting employees and ensuring compliance.

Learn more

Fragomen news

2025年6月 アメリカ移民法ダイジェストLearn more

Media mentions

Arab News: Growing Saudi Film Industry Driving Job Creation, Economic Growth

Partner Abeer Al Husseini highlights how Saudi Arabia’s growing film industry is creating jobs, attracting global talent and supporting economic diversification.

Learn more

Awards

Silicon Valley Business Journal Recognizes Partner Cindy Jen Among 2025 Women of Influence

Partner Cindy Jen is recognized as a 2025 “Woman of Influence” by the Silicon Valley Business Journal.

Learn more

Blog post

2025 LAR and Canada Immigration Trends: Balancing Control and Opportunity

This blog highlights the most significant immigration developments shaping Canada and Latin America in 2025. Drawing from Fragomen’s upcoming 2025 Regional Immigration Overviews—available mid-July—it provides actionable insights and strategic guidance to help businesses and individuals navigate the region’s dynamic immigration landscape.

Learn more

Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: DOL Plans “Emergency Agency” to Approve H-2A Visas

Partner Rachel Beardsley highlights how employment-based immigration supports the US agricultural sector amid labor shortages and evolving policies.

Learn more

Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: Middle East Tensions Show Importance of Caring for Mobile Talent

Partner Abeer Al Husseini shares how employers can support mobile talent through travel readiness, immigration awareness and a people-focused approach.

Learn more

Blog post

The EB-1C Green Card for Multinational Managers and Executives: Exploring Non-Traditional Pathways to Permanent Residency

Associate Whitney Luman discusses the EB-1C Green Card for multinational managers and executives, exploring non-traditional pathways to permanent residency.

Learn more

Video

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) | Staying in Canada Post-Graduation

Partner Jack Kim discusses one of many immigration pathways for staying in Canada post-graduation, the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).

Learn more

Blog post

A New Beginning: The Rise of Highly Skilled Visa and Digital Nomad Visa Options in APAC

Practice Leader Kate Praphakornphiphat, Senior Manager Amy Zhang, Immigration Program Manager Melissa Ngeow and Senior Knowledge Management Specialist Faye Amorado discuss the increasing popularity of highly skilled visas and digital nomad visas in the Asia-Pacific region.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Canada's Semiconductor Council: Strengthening Canada’s Semiconductor Talent Pipeline for Global Competitiveness

Partner Cosmina Morariu contributed to Canada’s Semiconductor Council 2025 Talent & Workforce Development report, highlighting immigration’s role in closing talent gaps.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen Recognized with Community Service Award at Woori Center 2025 Gala

Fragomen was honored with the Community Service Award at the Woori Center 2025 Gala on June 21, 2025 in Philadelphia.

Learn more

Media mentions

People Management: How HR Can Prepare for the ETIAS Rollout

Manager Andreia Florina Ghimis explains how HR teams can prepare for the EU’s new ETIAS travel authorisation system by communicating changes, supporting employees and ensuring compliance.

Learn more

Stay in touch

Subscribe to receive our latest immigration alerts

Subscribe

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Have a question?

Contact Us
  • LinkedIn
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

© 2025 Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP, Fragomen Global LLP and affiliates. All Rights Reserved.

Please note that the content made available on this site is not intended for visitors / customers located in the province of Quebec, and the information provided is not applicable to the Quebec market. To access relevant information that applies to the Quebec market, please click here.