But efficiency is not enough; applications must be processed fairly and approved without bias
Something appears to have shifted within the department of home affairs, sparking a glimmer of hope for visa applicants and practitioners alike.
In recent months there has been a noticeable increase in the speed at which applications are being processed. While it is too early to determine the exact cause, it is worth noting that this acceleration coincides with ongoing court cases challenging the department’s handling of immigration matters.
Whether these changes are a direct response to legal pressure remains speculative, but the progress and outcomes we’re witnessing are undeniable. This is a significant step forward, signalling a potential turnaround in the backlog that has plagued the immigration system since the reopening after the Covid lockdowns. Could this be the beginning of the end for the backlog? We cautiously hope so.
It’s essential to acknowledge that a number of cases are still proceeding into contempt, highlighting ongoing challenges within the system. Despite this, there is a palpable sense of improvement overall. Notably, we’ve received assurances from high-level officials that mechanisms are now in place to address the backlog.
This affirmation from top-level authorities provides a glimmer of hope and lends credence to the notion that substantive changes are under way within the department. It’s encouraging to see concrete steps being taken to tackle the backlog head-on, signalling a commitment to resolving long-standing issues and improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the immigration system.
Frustration
However, amid this progress it’s still important to acknowledge the persistent shortcomings within the department. Wrongful rejections continue to occur, causing frustration and disappointment for applicants and their families. The lack of properly trained officials and their unfamiliarity with immigration laws and constitutional duties only worsens the problem.
It’s imperative for the department to prioritise the appointment of knowledgeable and accountable officials who understand the gravity of their roles. Responsiveness and transparency must become the norm, replacing the culture of rudeness and unhelpfulness. Applicants deserve better, and the impact of wrongful rejections on their lives cannot be overstated.
The long-awaited creation of the Immigration Advisory Board, as mandated by law, remains pending. Establishing this board would provide essential guidance and oversight, ensuring that immigration policies and practices align with legal requirements and humanitarian principles.
While there’s a glimmer of hope with recent improvements, there’s still much work to be done. The department must continue moving

in the right direction, addressing systemic issues and striving for excellence in its operations. This includes not only processing visas and permits more efficiently but also making fairer and more informed decisions.
Let’s pave the way for an SA that not only processes visas and permits efficiently but also extends a warm embrace to those who seek to make it their home.
We earnestly hope for the continuation of this positive momentum now that the elections are over. Our aspiration extends beyond continuity; we envision an upward trajectory where the immigration process becomes not just expedited, but welcoming and inclusive.
The goal is clear: visa and permit applications should be processed promptly, ideally within two to three months for visas and eight months for permanent residency and citizenship applications. However, mere efficiency is not enough; applications must also be met with open arms, processed fairly, and approved without bias. It’s time for the department of home affairs to shift its approach, transforming from an entity that seemingly begrudges foreigners to one that embraces them as valuable contributors to SA’s tapestry.
We need to revive the spirit of making SA great again, not through exclusion or hostility but through inclusivity and kindness. International examples abound where countries have reaped the benefits of welcoming policies towards immigrants, enriching their societies culturally, economically and socially. SA has the potential to be a beacon of hospitality and progress, but this requires a fundamental shift in attitude and approach.
As we advocate for change, let’s draw inspiration from successful immigration policies worldwide, where immigrants are not seen as burdens but as assets to be cherished. Let’s pave the way for an SA that not only processes visas and permits efficiently but also extends a warm embrace to those who seek to make it their home.
Looking ahead, uncertainty remains over the fate of the blanket waiver, set to expire at the end of June. We urge the department to extend the waiver and ensure its coverage is comprehensive, encompassing all individuals with pending visa/waiver applications or appeals, without discrimination.
Recent developments offer a ray of hope, yet the journey towards a more efficient, fair and compassionate immigration system in SA is far from over. It’s a journey that requires continued vigilance, advocacy and collaboration between stakeholders.
As we navigate these challenges let us remain steadfast in our commitment to justice, equality and the fundamental rights of all. V.5432

One of the highlighted topics: Critical Skills Visa.

- Key Insight: Is your profession on the Critical Skills List? This visa is your fast track to working in South Afr...
- This matter relates to critical skills visa and its broader implications.
- Individuals are advised to seek professional guidance.

Is your profession on the Critical Skills List? This visa is your fast trac V.6139
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One of the applicants, Phindile Mazibuko, became a victim of identity theft in 2012 when fraudulent transactions occurred, using her personal details.

-The Pretoria High Court found that the department of home affairs had violated constitutional rights without due process.
-Only half of Lawyers for Human Rights` test group has been unblocked, while 385 000 identities remain blocked nationwide.
-LHR appeals extension, urges affected people to seek help now.

Lawyers for Human Rights (LHR) are intensifying pressure on the department of home affairs over the national ID-blocking crisis, accusing the state of acting too slowly to unblock qualifying individuals despite a landmark court ruling.

In January last year, the Pretoria High Court found that the department`s practice of blocking IDs without due process was unlawful and unconstitutional. One of the applicants, Phindile Mazibuko, a Swati citizen and South African permanent resident since 1998, fell victim to identity theft in 2012 when fraudsters used her personal details.

 V.6133
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The Border Management Authority (BMA) has doubled its staff at Airports in South Africa , including immigration officers.

What does this mean for travelers? V.6128
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The Border Management Authority (BMA) has doubled its staff at Airports in South Africa , including immigration officers.

What does this mean for travelers? V.6129
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A Washington state mother and her 6-year-old son have been released after spending more than three weeks in US immigration detention due to a brief trip to Canada and a small paperwork mistake, her attorney told CNN on Saturday.

Sarah Shaw, a New Zealand citizen who has lived legally in the US since she arrived in 2021, was detained at the Blaine, Washington, Customs and Border Protection checkpoint when returning home after dropping her two oldest children off at the Vancouver airport for a flight to visit their grandparents in New Zealand. Shaw, 33, chose the flight out of Vancouver because it was direct and she didn`t want her children to have to navigate a layover alone, her attorney Minda Thorward, told CNN.

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On 22 July 2025, the Gauteng High Court dismissed Sitrusrand Boerdery`s review of the Department of Employment and Labour`s refusal to issue a Working Conditions and Salary Benchmarking Certificate, an essential precondition for obtaining corporate visas under the Immigration Act.

Acting Judge Kekana AJ held that the Department`s decision was lawful, rational and procedurally fair. This judgment illustrates how businesses can - and must - structure their corporate visa applications to meet statutory requirements, and how legal practitioners should prepare robust review challenges when administrative authorities decline to recommend foreign-work permits.

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The United States could forfeit an estimated 9.4 billion dollars in visitor spending over the next three years following the introduction of a new 250 dollars `visa integrity fee,` according to industry groups, who warn the policy risks undermining tourism and costing thousands of jobs.
The United States’ decision to introduce a 250 dollars `visa integrity fee` on international visitors has triggered sharp criticism from the global tourism industry, with officials warning that the measure could deter millions of travellers and cost the U.S. economy billions.
The 250dollar `visa integrity fee,` part of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act signed on July 4, 2025, will take effect later this year. According to immigration law firm Envoy Global, it applies to all nonimmigrant visa holders which include students, tourists, temporary workers, and business visitors particularly from African countries. V.6132
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The Border Management Authority (BMA) has doubled its staff at Airports in South Africa , including immigration officers.

What does this mean for travelers? V.6127
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1. Right to Legal Representation•You have the right to consult with a legal representative.•Contact an immigration practitioner, legal aid clinic, or attorney urgently.•Do not sign any documents without understanding them fully. 2. Section 34 of the Immigration Act•You must be brought to court with 48 hours to confirm arrest but you can remain locked up very long as courts figure out what to do with you •If you`re found to be illegally in South Africa, you may be detained for up to 30 days (extendable by a magistrate) pending deportation.•BUT this cannot happen arbitrarily. You must be informed of your rights, and Home Affairs must follow due process.- becomes a nightmare , you could lose your job , business , place to stay V.6121
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Driving for Bolt, Uber, Mr D, or Checkers Sixty60?If you`re undocumented, you`re risking more than just your income.The Risks if You`re Not Legal: - Vehicle impoundment - Heavy fines - Arrest & deportation - Permanent bans from working in SA V.6122
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