Home Affairs Processing Times: Current Delays and Departmental Updates

The landscape of South African visa processing has undergone dramatic changes in recent months, with mixed results for applicants navigating the immigration system. While Minister Dr. Leon Schreiber's administration has made significant strides in addressing the notorious visa backlog, new challenges have emerged that require careful consideration for anyone applying for South African visas or permits.

Home Affairs has successfully eradicated approximately 94% of the massive 300,000-strong visa backlog that had plagued the system. This represents a remarkable achievement, with reports indicating a 90% decrease in the previous backlog of 300,000 applications. Many applicants who had been waiting months, and in some cases years, have finally received outcomes on their applications. The department has extended temporary concessions until September 30, 2025, ensuring that applicants are not penalized for administrative backlogs while maintaining their legal status. This provides crucial protection for foreign nationals whose applications remain in the system.

However, the rapid processing of the backlog has revealed a troubling trend. Immigration practitioners report significantly high rejection rates, with one agent noting that eight out of ten clients were rejected. While Home Affairs maintains that rejection rates are 27%, which they claim aligns with historical trends, practitioners on the ground are experiencing much higher rejection rates. The expedited processing seems to have created new challenges with a rise in the rejection of applications and consequent appeals. This suggests that in the rush to clear the backlog, applications may not be receiving the thorough assessment they require, leading to increased refusals.

The most significant challenge facing applicants today is that the processing of appeal applications will not be completed within standard timeframes, effectively shifting the backlog from mainstream visa processing to the appeals section. Current processing times for appeals are already several months, creating a new form of administrative delay for rejected applicants. This development means that while initial visa applications are being processed more quickly, those who receive unfavorable outcomes face extended waiting periods for their appeals to be heard and decided upon.

For individuals and businesses navigating the South African immigration system, this environment demands heightened attention to application quality and legal compliance. The high rejection rates underscore the critical importance of ensuring complete and accurate documentation from the outset, understanding current interpretation of immigration regulations, seeking professional guidance to avoid common pitfalls leading to rejections, and strategic planning for potential appeal processes. The current system rewards thorough preparation and professional expertise more than ever before. With rejection rates elevated and appeal processing times extended, getting your application right the first time has become paramount to avoiding lengthy delays and additional costs.

While Home Affairs deserves recognition for addressing the historical backlog, the immigration landscape remains complex and challenging. Foreign nationals, employers, and families planning their South African immigration journey need experienced guidance to navigate both the opportunities and pitfalls of the current system.

Don't let high rejection rates and processing delays derail your South African immigration plans. At Bruss & Co Immigration, we combine over 15 years of experience with current insights into Home Affairs processing trends to maximize your chances of success.

Our family of immigration practitioners understands the evolving landscape and can help you avoid common rejection triggers while preparing a comprehensive application that meets current departmental expectations.

Contact Bruss & Co Immigration today for your free consultation and let us simplify your immigration journey. +27713031375, olwen@brussandco.co.za