Intracompany transferees granted status prior to the implementation of the South African Immigration Regulations in May 2014 can now renew their status in South Africa, according to a directive issued by the South African Department of Home Affairs (DHA). Their total stay cannot exceed four years (including the validity period of the previously-issued Intra Company Transfer Work Visa).
This option to renew in country is in addition to the recent change of DHA policy which allows such foreign nationals to apply for a second Intra Company Transfer Work Visa at a South African mission in their country of nationality or permanent residence, valid up to an additional four-year period. In both instances, the foreign national must meet all relevant eligibility requirements.
What This Means for Employers and Foreign Nationals
This latest directive provides an additional renewal option to foreign nationals granted Intra Company Transfer Work Visa status prior to the implementation of the new South African Immigration Regulations.
To obtain a new Intra Company Transfer Work Visa with a new four-year validity period, the foreign national will still need to travel abroad and apply from a South African mission in his or her home country.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].
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