No data available for the deliverable: Clear the backlog of visa applications and reduce processing times
Summary
The Department of Home Affairs is clearing the backlog of visa applications, but has not fully completed the process. During the 2025 Sona, President Ramaphosa indicated the department had eradicated 90% of the 300,000 visa backlog. The department also extended concessions until September 2025 to manage remaining delays and reduce processing times effectively.
View DetailsIs it working?
Strong early-stage success but this is ongoing; the extension reflects the department’s recognition of ongoing operational challenges.
Actions
The department is actively reducing visa application backlogs through temporary concessions granting extensions to affected foreign nationals allowing them to remain in South Africa while their applications are being processed. It has extended temporary visa concessions for foreign nationals awaiting application outcomes until 30 September 2025. https://www.dha.gov.za/images/notices/Immigration_Directive_No._4_of_2025.pdf
Are there plans?
It is likely that the department will issue a new immigration directive post-September 2025.
Is it on the agenda?
Falls under the Operation Vulindlela Phase 2 agenda.
Goals
Clear the backlog of visa applications and improve processing times, including for long-term visa applications (in terms of sections 11(1)(b) to 22 of the Immigration Act [2002]).
Summary
The Department of Home Affairs is clearing the backlog of visa applications, but has not fully completed the process. During the 2025 Sona, President Ramaphosa indicated the department had eradicated 90% of the 300,000 visa backlog. The department also extended concessions until September 2025 to manage remaining delays and reduce processing times effectively.
View DetailsIs it working?
Strong early-stage success but this is ongoing; the extension reflects the department’s recognition of ongoing operational challenges.
Actions
The department is actively reducing visa application backlogs through temporary concessions granting extensions to affected foreign nationals allowing them to remain in South Africa while their applications are being processed. It has extended temporary visa concessions for foreign nationals awaiting application outcomes until 30 September 2025. https://www.dha.gov.za/images/notices/Immigration_Directive_No._4_of_2025.pdf
Are there plans?
It is likely that the department will issue a new immigration directive post-September 2025.
Is it on the agenda?
Falls under the Operation Vulindlela Phase 2 agenda.
Goals
Clear the backlog of visa applications and improve processing times, including for long-term visa applications (in terms of sections 11(1)(b) to 22 of the Immigration Act [2002]).
No data available for the deliverable: Clear the backlog of visa applications and reduce processing times
No data available for the deliverable: Clear the backlog of visa applications and reduce processing times
No data available for the deliverable: Clear the backlog of visa applications and reduce processing times
No data available for the deliverable: Clear the backlog of visa applications and reduce processing times
No data available for the deliverable: Implement the points-based system for the skilled work visa.
Summary
The department officially gazetted regulations introducing a points-based system for work visas, including critical skills work and general work visas in October 2024. Under this system, applicants must score at least 100 points to qualify based on several measurable attributes, including: occupation (maximum points if on critical skills list); job offers; qualifications; work experience; and language proficiency. Only those who reach or exceed a specified points threshold are eligible for the visa. https://18a66295-3a0f-41fb-a13d-9849edd3b2a3.usrfiles.com/ugd/18a662_ae4b9a4419dc49839e969bff6cc95343.pdf
View DetailsIs it working?
• In October 2024, the Minister of Home Affairs introduced a points-based system for critical skills work visas (and both general work visas) through Proclamation (No. R5397). Critical Skills and General Work Visa applications submitted on or after October 2024 were expected to qualify under a new points-based system. • Although already in effect or operational since October 2024, little is known about the effectiveness of this new immigration system. Public data on the effectiveness and outcomes have been limited, especially in terms of the number of critical skills work visa applications that have been processed or approved since the adoption of the new system.
Actions
Regulations for the establishment of the points-based system have been gazetted. In May 2024, the department initially gazetted revised Second Amendment Immigration Regulations [2014] and revised this again in October 2024, amending the Immigration Act (2002) which enables for the development of the points-based system.
Are there plans?
Forms part of the department's Strategic Plan 2025-2030.
Is it on the agenda?
Falls under the Operation Vulindlela Phase 2 agenda.
Goals
The system aims to modernise and streamline the process for the critical skilled work visa.
Summary
The department officially gazetted regulations introducing a points-based system for work visas, including critical skills work and general work visas in October 2024. Under this system, applicants must score at least 100 points to qualify based on several measurable attributes, including: occupation (maximum points if on critical skills list); job offers; qualifications; work experience; and language proficiency. Only those who reach or exceed a specified points threshold are eligible for the visa. https://18a66295-3a0f-41fb-a13d-9849edd3b2a3.usrfiles.com/ugd/18a662_ae4b9a4419dc49839e969bff6cc95343.pdf
View DetailsIs it working?
• In October 2024, the Minister of Home Affairs introduced a points-based system for critical skills work visas (and both general work visas) through Proclamation (No. R5397). Critical Skills and General Work Visa applications submitted on or after October 2024 were expected to qualify under a new points-based system. • Although already in effect or operational since October 2024, little is known about the effectiveness of this new immigration system. Public data on the effectiveness and outcomes have been limited, especially in terms of the number of critical skills work visa applications that have been processed or approved since the adoption of the new system.
Actions
Regulations for the establishment of the points-based system have been gazetted. In May 2024, the department initially gazetted revised Second Amendment Immigration Regulations [2014] and revised this again in October 2024, amending the Immigration Act (2002) which enables for the development of the points-based system.
Are there plans?
Forms part of the department's Strategic Plan 2025-2030.
Is it on the agenda?
Falls under the Operation Vulindlela Phase 2 agenda.
Goals
The system aims to modernise and streamline the process for the critical skilled work visa.
No data available for the deliverable: Implement the points-based system for the skilled work visa.
No data available for the deliverable: Implement the points-based system for the skilled work visa.
No data available for the deliverable: Implement the points-based system for the skilled work visa.
No data available for the deliverable: Implement the points-based system for the skilled work visa.