Upgrades to Online Application System Cause Processing Delays

Recent software upgrades to the Department of Home Affairs’ (DHA) Track-and-Trace online application system have caused significant delays for immigration case initiations and adjudications and for the delivery of approved permits. The DHA has created a backlog-reduction task force that is focusing initially on permanent residence delays and will turn next to temporary residence and work permits.

DHA regional offices were unable to upload applications during the software upgrade, which resulted in large backlogs nationwide. The most significant delays are at the regional office in Johannesburg, where the uploading of new applications is delayed by a month. Officials in Johannesburg are currently working weekends on a voluntary basis to address the backlogs.

Once cases are uploaded into the Track-and-Trace system, adjudication of applications at the DHA’s head office currently averages four months, twice the prior average of 60 days.

The software upgrade also temporarily stopped issuance of approved permits, causing additional backlogs. DHA’s postal services division is currently working to reduce the delivery delays.

Requests for waivers of general work permit requirements are not delayed at this time, and they continue to be processed in one to two months on average.

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 Global or send an email to [email protected].