Rejected Visas Cause Foreign Nationals Frustration

The delays for foreign nationals getting their visas are well-known due to the Department of Home Affairs backlog. But what are your options when you sit with a poor Home Affairs decision and where your visa was rejected for no good reason?

DHA Extends ZEP Again… But Is It Enough?

On 8 June 2023, the Minister of Home Affairs, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, announced the extension of the validity of Zimbabwean Exemption Permits (ZEP) to 31 December 2023. This welcomed decision provides some relief for nearly 180,000 ZEP holders whose futures remained unclear but a few days ago. 

Standard Bank and Xpatweb Event Provides an Update on South African Immigration Challenges

Standard Bank held a virtual conversation for its clients with Marisa Jacobs (Managing Director of Xpatweb) and Michelle Munemo (Head of International Diaspora Clients at Standard Bank of South Africa) earlier in May on the topic of “Navigating South Africa’s Immigration Landscape”.

One Last Opportunity for the Portugal Golden Visa – The Time Is Now

Living in Portugal is the dream for many South Africans, and those wishing to make this dream a reality often opted to apply for a golden visa. According to Henley & Partners, a leading global investment migration firm, a golden visa grants approved applicants’ full residence rights in exchange for a defined economic contribution to […]

A New Critical Skills List, But Does It Do Enough For South African Employers?

The national Critical Skills List is a gazetted publication listing all skills that the South African government deems necessary to stimulate economic growth, but which cannot be sourced within the country. The list was previously updated in 2014 and again, only recently, in February and August 2022.

Latest Immigration Directive Update – Key Requirements Waived For Temporary Residence Visa And Permanent Residency Applications

On April 11, 2023, the Department of Home Affairs issued a new directive that waives the requirements for a radiological report, as well as certain requirements to obtain police clearance certificates.

Finance Minister Concerned On Home Affairs’ Impact On South Africa Economy

The Budget 2023/24 last week contained one very frank, but also deeply worrying, acknowledgement on how frustrated government and foreign investors have become with the South African Home Affairs.

SONA Foreign Talent Announcements Enticing, But Are They Realistic?

Will President Ramaphosa’s SONA announcement on reforms to attract foreign talent really benefit South African critical skills employers? “We certainly welcome these initiatives as a win for organisations that are desperate to acquire scarce skills that are not available locally,” says Marisa Jacobs, Managing Director at Xpatweb.

South Africa Welcomes Foreign Property Investment Despite Widespread Global Restrictions

In the midst of growing international restrictions on foreign property investors, South Africa remains a welcoming haven to these buyers.

SA visas may give ZEP holders the best chance of staying in SA

SA Visas May Give ZEP Holders The Best Chance Of Staying In SA

Zimbabwean Exemption Permit (ZEP) holders should take advantage of the 6-month extension granted by the South African government to apply for a mainstream visa or exemption.