Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi has announced the extension of the validity of foreigners’ visas which expired during South Africa’s lockdown due to COVID-19.
The validity of the legally issued short-term permits which were valid for no longer than 90 days have been extended till June 30, the department’s spokesman Siya Qoza said.
Qoza added that the longer-term temporary visas (issued for three months to three years) have also had their validity extended to July 31.
However, this extension does not apply to people who entered South Africa from March 15. ‘The normal validity period of visas of people admitted into the country from March 15, 2021 applies,’ said Qoza.
Qoza advises that holders of longer-term temporary permits such as study visas, business visas, medical treatment visas, retired persons visas and general work visas which expired during the South African lockdown period should apply for renewals before July 31.
The department said refugee reception centre remained closed and the validity of asylum and refugee permits have been extended to June 30.
‘In due course, the department will communicate details of an online service to renew these permits’, Qoza told IOL.
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