Do you require a short-term work visa?
This category of visa is ideal for candidates who are required to enter South Africa on an urgent basis for a period of up to 6 months. Section 11(2) of the Immigration Act permits an applicant to apply for a visa with work authorisation in order to conduct certain work-related activities.
Work on a temporary basis
(3 – 6 months)
Renewable within South Africa
Exit and re-enter South Africa freely
Exit and re-enter South Africa freely – allows holder multiple entry
Issued within 5-10 days
It is important to note that this is not a work visa and that it is only to address an immediate short term or urgent need for a limited duration of work related activity where an applicant cannot apply for a work visa. The authorisation cannot be used in place of a work visa for ongoing regular work activity.
Inter-alia with the visa application, one must be able provide proof of the project being held in South Africa from often both the South African- and foreign entities. In addition, the following quintessential documents are required:
This visitor visa must be applied for in the applicant’s home country or country of permanent residence and applications take approximately 5 – 10 working days to be processed. The applicant cannot apply for any other longer-term visa within South Africa with this visa and will be required to return to his/her home country before the expiry of the visa and/or the extension thereof.
The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) issued their first Directive for 2019 and clarifies the Visitor Visa in terms of Section 11(2) of the Act with endorsement to conduct work in South Africa and purpose thereof.
The directive clarifies that Section 11(2) visas are not to be used continuously and are specifically to allow for short term project resources in South Africa.