South Africa: Amendments Overhauling Immigration System Implemented

Update April 11, 2024: Following consultation with the National Economic Development and Labour Council, which oversees public participation processes in the South African labor market, the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) Minister has withdrawn the implementation of the draft immigration amendments due to the fact that the public comment process was not completed before the implementation of the regulations. The DHA will consider all public comments during a new public comment period, after which the DHA will implement the regulations. This will delay the implementation of the regulations.

April 4, 2024: Effective March 28, 2024, the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has implemented the draft amendments overhauling South Africa’s immigration system without any changes. The immigration regulations implement the anticipated Digital Nomad visa, formalize rules surrounding visitor visas for spouses, parents and children of South African nationals or permanent residents, modify guidance on certificates of registration, and formalize police clearance documentation requirements. The regulations also introduce a points-based system for assessing work visas; however, the details of this system and when it will be formally implemented have not yet been announced.