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

`Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber says a security guard at the Randburg office has been ‘removed’ from his post after he allegedly pepper sprayed angry citizens this week.A video showing irate members of the public has since gone viral on social media, wherein a security guard is seen waving a pepper spray as he demands members of the public to go outside. This occurred as frustrations came to a head at the Home Affairs Randburg branch when the system went offline, causing undue frustration for the members of the public. Taking to X, Schreiber said he was horrified when he learnt about the video on Thursday morning and that action had since been taken against the security guard involved. “I was appalled upon receiving this video at 10:50 this morning. An investigation was launched immediately, and by 17:00 the individual in question was removed. ` V.5990
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`Amendments made to the Refugees Act in 2023 are unconstitutional because they allow asylum seekers to be deported before they are able to access the asylum system. This puts them in danger and at risk of persecution. This was the main argument made by the Scalabrini Centre of Cape Town, an immigration rights organisation, in the Western Cape High Court before a full bench on Thursday. The amendments, which Scalabrini wants the court to declare unconstitutional, allow for asylum seekers who have entered the country unlawfully and do not have a valid visa, to be denied full access to the asylum system after an initial “filtering” interview with an immigration officer.` V.5985
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`Leon Schreiber’s department has been celebrated for bold moves, but too often its officials remain ill-informed or indifferent. Throughout the second half of 2024 Leon Schreiber was one of the most observed and often praised GNU ministers. An expert on public sector reform, Schreiber could be the antidote to the institutional entropy from which the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has suffered for decades, or “dry rot” as a renowned organisational theorist called it.Schreiber has not been shy in adopting a proactive approach to the implementation of change within the department he heads. Nevertheless, the reality he will have to contend with internally in 2025 and beyond is that DHA remains systematically wanting of the necessary competency to perform its duties. ` V.5986
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`Certainly! The question “What is the investment amount that is required for a South African business visa application?” pertains to the financial requirements for obtaining a business visa in South Africa. This visa is designed for foreign nationals who wish to establish or invest in a business in South Africa. Below is a detailed explanation of the investment amount and related considerations:1. Purpose of the Business VisaThe South African business visa is intended to attract foreign investment and stimulate economic growth by allowing foreign entrepreneurs to establish or invest in businesses that will benefit the country. The visa is granted based on the applicant`s ability to contribute to the local economy, create jobs, and transfer skills.` V.5987
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`Registering a business in South Africa involves several steps, primarily handled through the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC), the South African Revenue Service (SARS), and other regulatory bodies. Below is a step-by-step guide:Step 1: Choose a Business StructureBefore registering, you need to decide on the type of business entity. The common structures in South Africa include:1.Private Company (Pty) Ltd - Most common for entrepreneurs and small businesses. Limited liability for owners.2.Public Company (Ltd) - For businesses that plan to list on the stock exchange.3.Sole Proprietorship - Owned by one person, personally liable for debts.4.Partnership - Two or more people share ownership and liability.5.Co-operative (Co-op) - Member-owned business.6.Non-Profit Company (NPC) - Used for charities and social organizations.` V.5988
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`Investing into the Book Value of a Business for South African Immigration PurposesFor South African business visa and business-related residency applications, the term ``investing into the book value of the business`` refers to the financial commitment a foreign investor makes into a South African company. This investment is assessed based on the book value of the business, which represents its total assets minus liabilities, as recorded in its financial statements.1. Understanding ``Book Value``The book value of a business is the net worth of the company, calculated as:Book Value=Total Assetsâˆ`Total Liabilities\text{Book Value} = \text{Total Assets} - \text{Total Liabilities}Book Value=Total Assetsâˆ`Total LiabilitiesThis means that if a business owns R10 million in assets but has R2 million in liabilities, its book value is R8 million.For immigration purposes, an investor must inject capital that increases this book value, either by adding cash, assets, or investments into the business.` V.5989
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`Home Affairs Minister Dr Leon Schreiber has welcomed President Cyril Ramaphosa’s endorsement of the department’s digital transformation agenda. This initiative aims to digitise and automate all services, making them accessible to South Africans from the comfort of their homes.In his State of the Nation Address (SONA) on 6 February 2025, President Ramaphosa highlighted the importance of investing in digital public infrastructure. He announced plans to implement a digital identity system within the next 12 months to eliminate identity fraud, expand social and financial inclusion, and ensure seamless access to government services. The President also mentioned the launch of a modern Electronic Travel Authorisation system, driven by artificial intelligence, to automate tourist and short-stay visas. ` V.5991
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`A Bloemfontein man, Vuyo Liphoko, has been struggling with the Department of Home Affairs for over 15 years, facing ongoing issues with his identity documents that have severely impacted his life.Liphoko’s ordeal began in 2003 when he was in Grade 10 in Botshabelo and applied for an identity document (ID) both privately and through his school. Despite repeated applications, he never received his ID before matriculating in 2006, which prevented him from pursuing tertiary education.“My birth certificate was an old handwritten one with just my birth date. I applied in Botshabelo and Welkom, where my family lives, but nothing happened,” said Liphoko.He was later advised to apply in Brandfort, his place of birth, yet still had no success. With no ID, he had to abandon his dreams of becoming a medical doctor and take on informal jobs. Liphoko eventually received his ID in 2007. However, another challenge arose in 2009 when his family attempted to amend their surname to his father’s. While his parents and siblings successfully changed theirs, Liphoko’s surname remained unchanged.` V.5992
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`A senior official in the department of home affairs, who allegedly demanded kickbacks from service providers to approve their invoices, has been suspended.On Friday, Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber confirmed in an X post that Percy Tshabane, the department`s acting chief of director of employee engagement, had been suspended pending a thorough investigation into allegations that he solicited bribes to approve the payment of service providers. The official in question has been suspended and a full investigation is underway.Home affairs minister Leon Schreiber on Friday confirmed that Percy Tshabane has been suspended pending a thorough investigation.Noko Mashilo/Daily Sun City Press reported on 9 February that one lawyer, who identified himself as Mareng Mareng, had alleged that lawyers were being frustrated by the department`s chief director responsible for legal.` V.5993
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`Shortly after taking office in January, US President Donald Trump ordered a 90-day pause on foreign aid. - and asylum seekers in South Africa have received notices from the United States terminating their funding. - This comes after US President Donald Trump initially ordered a 90-day pause in foreign aid in January. - A human rights lawyer has said the cessation of this sort of funding will have a devastating impact. Just weeks after the United States invited Afrikaners to become refugees, the US Department of State`s Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration has cut off funding to civil society organisations providing services to refugees and asylum seekers in South Africa.Shortly after taking office in January, US President Donald Trump ordered a 90-day pause on foreign aid. A month later, and despite pending litigation, the Trump administration has started terminating most US foreign aid contracts and grants, Reuters reported. Organisations in South Africa that provide services to assist refugees and asylum seekers who migrated to the southern tip of Africa have not been spared. ` V.5994
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