Directive 9 of 2014 bans foreigners with pending visa applications from re-entering South Africa
On May 30, 2014 / Leave a comment
This is an urgent update for everybody with pending visa applications for South Africa planning overseas trips.
The Department of Home Affairs has introduced “Directive 9 of 2014” which states that any foreigner leaving South Africa with an expired visa and a visa submission receipt (pending application at the Department of Home Affairs) that has not been approved, will be deemed undesirable and be banned from South Africa for either 1 year, 2 years or 5 years.
“Directive 9 of 2014” says if you are currently using the submission receipt in South Africa, then you may legally stay in the country, but as soon as you exit South Africa you will become illegal.
All travel arrangements for applicants on expired visas and with pending applications are to be put on hold until the matter is cleared. Foreigners with pending visa application who have traveled out of South Africa before Directive 9 came out are advised to get in contact with the South African embassy.
We don’t have official confirmation from the South African Department of Home Affairs about exact details of “Directive 9 of 2014” but know that the law is being implemented in South Africa as we speak. E.g. Foreigner with pending visa application and submission form being rejected at airport immigration, while husband and child are still in South Africa (this incident has been reported by one of our competitors).
We will continue to keep you informed.
Joachim
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