VFS reopening will be dependent on the department’s decision to be made soon. By expanding these services to marginalized communities, the department plays is a key enabler in deepening democracy and social … DHA have authourized all those holding visa’s expiring during the lockdown period commencing tomorrow will not require a good cause letter when we return to full operations. Location: South Africa Event: The South African Ministry of Health confirmed 3,953 cases of COVID-19 within its borders. South Africa assured that food supply system will remain functional. “VFS offices are open only by appointment for collection of outcomes on applications which were made before the lockdown,” said Motsoaledi. Non-South Africans with a legal residency permit in South Africa can apply for a visa or permit at these centres. - Visa validity for visas which expired during the lockdown has now been extended until 31 January 2021. During that time, all businesses must shut down, other than a list of those considered vital. – Visa Expired – Overstay – But with social distancing !! For any queries, please contact VFS directly. Most foreign missions have been … Furthermore, if your visa expired during the lockdown period and you wish to leave South Africa, you should not receive a ‘ban’ upon exiting South Africa. Business to open level 3: These are the businesses which will be allowed to operate in South Africa as the country goes under lockdown level 3. - Permanent Residence applications are not accepted. After meeting necessary approvals, the Application Centres will begin operations in that location. We will prioritize scheduled appointments and appeal related applications only. VFS Global Visa Application Centres operate strictly in accordance with the directives of the central and local government authorities and the diplomatic mission of the country (i.e Embassy/Consulate) for which a visa is being applied. Sources: [1], [2]. This … You cannot lodge an appeal at VFS ,the 10 days will expire during lockdown . For information as to how Relocation Africa can help you with your Mobility, Immigration, Research, Remuneration, and Expat Tax needs, email info@relocationafrica.com, or call us on +27 21 763 4240. South Africa – COVID-19: Lockdown Extension and Visa/Immigration Changes So Africa–Lockdown Extension & Visa/Immigration Changes In light of the extension of the nationwide lockdown in South Africa until 30 April 2020, the government has communicated a number of changes to its usual visa processing and issuance policies. Applications can be made once VFS offices have reopened, and applicants whose visas have expired during that time will not be penalised or have to undergo a legalisation process. Please see below the update that Relocation Africa received from VFS South Africa, detailing the procedures they will be taking during the lock-down. VFS Global: All applications pertaining to immigration visas in South Africa are to be made via VFS Global. 06 January 2020 – Reopen for submission and collections. ... Due to the current lockdown rules in the UK, all other travellers can only travel abroad if they have a legally permitted reason. You can read the directives here. Latest visa information and news on travel advisory in the view of Covid-19. ... We have received formal confirmation that VFS Global’s offices in South Africa will be closing. There are many foreign national workers under lockdown in South Africa, which remains one of the least affected countries in the world in terms of Covid-19 cases. Locate your nearest visa and permit Facilitation Centre. There is a common misconception amongst foreign nationals in South Africa, whereby they believe that nothing can be done to resolve their visa issues during lockdown. This makes it possible for people to realize their rights and access benefits and opportunities in both the public and private domains. - VFS & South African foreign missions will be open for submission of visitor's visa applications. by Quintin Coetzee. The shutdown will last for 21 days. All categories of temporary residence visa’s, including applications of waivers of the prescribed requirement will only be accepted. On April 23, 2020, the government of South Africa announced measures to gradually reopen lift the lockdown. Visa Application Centres within South Africa are now open for submission of applications as per the guidelines below: 1. We urge you as professionals to reduce crowding in centres as we will be monitoring traffic. Please be advised that our call centre and Email support will also not be available during this period. During the lockdown, except for cases relating to expatriation initiated by another state, all foreign nationals who are currently in South Africa may not depart. You can read the directives here. Business to open level 3: These are the businesses which will be allowed to operate in South Africa as the country goes under lockdown level 3. The DHA is custodian, protector and verifier of the identity and status of citizens and other persons resident in South Africa. Location: South Africa Event: The South African Ministry of Health confirmed 3,953 cases of COVID-19 within its borders. We can help !!! Get updates on UK travel advice, Europe travel ban, Italy travel advisory, France travel ban and many more. As an emerging market economy, we boast world-class infrastructure, a highly developed and sophisticated banking system, an independent judiciary, the largest ports on the African continent and, our greatest asset – our highly resourceful people – who are ready to get to work and get the job done. All VFS Global PAC s are now open, with USCIS ASC s temporarily closing and re-opening based on local ... (Durban) – open South Africa (Johannesburg) – open South Africa (Port … Please note that adherence to all COVID -19 health protocols at all VFS centres are mandatory. These are some of the biggest challenges with South Africa’s lockdown rules: Dlamini-Zuma Food prices in South Africa have spiked - particularly these items Next article 02 and 03 January 2020 - Open for collections only (08:00 hrs – 13:00 hrs). Immigration News. VFS Global does not decide about the re-opening of a Visa Application Centre on its own. The SAHC said: “VFS offices are open only by appointment for collection of outcomes on applications which were made before the lockdown,” said Motsoaledi. This makes it possible for people to realize their rights and access benefits and opportunities in both the public and private domains. 25 March 2020. Please see below the update that Relocation Africa received from VFS South Africa, detailing the procedures they will be taking during the lock-down. Communication will be made via all channels on complete reopening and strategy for submissions. This closure is due to the 4-week lockdown in England. South Africa will go into a national lockdown at midnight on Thursday, 26 March, to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced on Monday night. The confirmation is unfortunate news for our existing clients who need to submit their SA visa applications. South Africa (16 August 2020) – In his address to the nation on Saturday night, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that South Africa would move to lockdown level 2 from midnight on Monday, 17 August 2020. All categories of temporary residence visa’s, including applications of waivers of the prescribed requirement will only be accepted. VFS Global: All applications pertaining to immigration visas in South Africa are to be made via VFS Global. South Africa is also open for business! Department of Home Affairs is pleased to announce the opening of the Visa & Permit Facilitation Centres in 9 provinces and 11 cities within South Africa. The VFS offices in England has confirmed to Breytenbachs that they will not accept any South African visa applications from 4 November 2020. 30 and 31 December 2019 – Closed. Queues long !! The DHA is custodian, protector and verifier of the identity and status of citizens and other persons resident in South Africa. Essential information required to start the process of relocation, https://www.relocationafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/2020-03-25-10_07_17-Window.png, https://www.relocationafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/relocationafricagroup.jpg, Thursday will be the last day for collections, collections times. "No visa or permit functions will be open in SA and at missions abroad during level 3 lockdown." Our sincere apologies for the delayed email but discussions had to be made. VFS Offices close in England for SA … Lesotho exemption permit. - International travellers are allowed as of 01 October 2020. March 25, 2020 /. During the lockdown, except for cases relating to expatriation initiated by another state, all foreign nationals who are currently in South Africa may not depart. As recent measures are put into place by our honourable President Ramaphosa to help flatten the curve of the covid-19 pandemic, the following operational plan will be in effect. For more details -. During this period the Refunds department will not be available to attend to email or telephone queries and submissions, but will however work tirelessly to attend to all pending cases once the shutdown is lifted. South Africa’s decision for a nationwide lockdown. Please note that even after a lockdown ends, Visa Application Centres can open only when a local Embassy/Consulate provides approval for the re-opening. 27 December 2019 - Open for collections only (08:00 hrs – 13:00 hrs). Furthermore, if your visa expired during the lockdown period and you wish to leave South Africa, you should not receive a ‘ban’ upon exiting South Africa. Visitor's visa Section 11(1)(b)(I) Academic Sabbaticals, Visitor's visa Section 11(1)(b)(II) Volunteer, Visitor's visa Section 11(1)(b)(III) Research, Visitors Visa 11.6 (reside with SAC and work), Transfer and Rectification of Temporary Resident Visa, Beware of fraudulent job offers. All of South Africa have been called upon by President Ramaphosa, to unite in the fight against the coronavirus outbreak. In Norway, the South African Embassy in Oslo has responded to their Lockdown by closing for walk-ins but remaining open for visa and passport-renewal appointments. "No visa or permit functions will be open in SA and at missions abroad during level 3 lockdown." 23 and 24 December 2019 – Closed. It is no secret on what we are dealing with, we are all at risk if not dealt with accordingly. Restrictions on passengers from South Africa. As of Tuesday 22nd September 2020, visa services will resume at all Visa Facilitation Centre’s in South Africa. The lockdown measures were implemented to limit the spread of COVID-19. By | Latest News | Comments are Closed | | 0. Thank you for understanding and stay safe! Important Notice: Owing to the COVID -19 development and directives by the Government of South Africa, our Visa Application Centres will remain closed from the 26 March 2020 until 16 April 2020. 20 April 2020. The closure of Home Affairs’ visa and refugee offices during lockdown has had widespread consequences for foreign nationals in South Africa. Exceptions may be made for appeals. Pre-scheduled appointments at UKVCAS Service Points are taking place during lockdown and applicants are able to book new appointments during the ... s re-opening in fortnightly waves (where local conditions allowed). The department said that public enquiries should be … Please select the nearest centre to your residence. • Only applications with appointments for Wednesday 25th March will be accommodated, even if visas expire on that day or during the lockdown. Image sources: [1], [2]. In light of the extension of the nationwide lockdown in South Africa until 30 April 2020, the government has communicated a number of changes to its usual visa processing and issuance policies. The resumption of other immigration related applications will be phased in over a period of time. Important Notice : Reopening of Visa Services following the announcement of Lockdown Level 1. Submissions and collections will not be possible during this time. 20 December 2019 – Open for collections only (08:00 hrs – 15:00 hrs). Any walk-ins that have visa’s expiring tomorrow or during the lockdown will be turned away. COVID-19 ALERT LEVEL 1 UPDATE | DHA AND VFS . The South Africa government officials are hinting about moving from lockdown level to level three under the risk adjusted strategy. ... For those of you whose existing visas will expire during the … LEVEL 3 – Good news - VFS / Home Affairs open for business ? The Lesotho Special Permits which expired on 31 December 2019 remain valid until … On April 23, 2020, the government of South Africa announced measures to gradually reopen lift the lockdown. Visa and Permit applications will be accepted across these 12 centres in South Africa. Expired supporting documents: All applicants must submit valid supporting documents as prescribed for a particular category of applications. ... UKVCAS remain open for UK Visa Applications during UK Lockdown. Breytenbachs have sourced the following information from the UK Government. In accordance with what we have been advised, the Department of Home Affairs will be dealing with the twenty one day lockdown announced by the President of South Africa in the following manner: Wednesday 25th March 2020 will be the last day of applications; temporary visa applications only and no critical skills, general work and business visa related applications. These applications will be assessed by Department of Home Affairs in Pretoria. Your visa will expired or will expired during lockdown . We look at businesses allowed to operate under level 3. Lesotho exemption permit. Holders of the Lesotho Special Permit have up to 15 June 2020 to submit their applications for the Lesotho Exemption Permit. Only applications with appointments for Wednesday 25th March will be accommodated, even if visas expire on that day or during the lockdown. The VFS Global Department of Home Affairs Visa application centre/s will close for business on the following public holidays* in 2021: DATE DAY HOLIDAYS 2021 ; 01 January Friday : New Year’s Day: 21 March : Sunday : Human Rights Day** 02 April Friday : Good Friday : 05 April : Monday : Family Day: 27 April : Tuesday : Freedom Day: 01 May : Saturday: Workers' Day: 16 June Wednesday : Youth Day: 09 … We look at businesses allowed to operate under level 3. Important Notice : Reopening of Visa Services following the announcement of Lockdown Level 1. Tourists form certain high risk countries are not allowed to enter South Africa. The decision, he said, was in light of the steadily declining number of COVID-19 infections. • Applications can be made once VFS offices have reopened, and applicants whose visas have expired during that time will not be penalised or have to undergo a legalisation process. The lockdown measures were implemented to limit the spread of COVID-19. The department said lawfully issued visas which expired from the 15 February and during the nationwide lockdown were valid until the end of October. ... VFS Global will be closed from end of business 4 th November … If you have already submitted your application at the Visa application centre, to know the status of your application. The South Africa government officials are hinting about moving from lockdown level to level three under the risk adjusted strategy. As of Tuesday 22nd September 2020, visa services will resume at all Visa Facilitation Centre’s in South Africa. You can visit their website here. However, South Africa’s High Commission in London announced on Facebook Thursday morning that there will be no appointments and no collections allowed. With effect from 26 March 2020, all refund services have been suspended for the duration of the 21 days National lockdown. in South Africa /. Holders of the Lesotho Special Permit have up to 15 June 2020 to submit their applications for the Lesotho Exemption Permit. It is No secret on what we are all at risk if dealt... Social distancing! be possible during this time allowed to operate under level 3 lockdown. traffic! Number of COVID-19 resumption of other immigration related applications will be open for collections only ( 08:00 –... Uk government 10 days will expire during lockdown has had widespread consequences for foreign nationals in South Africa Event the... 27 December 2019 - open for collections only ( 08:00 hrs – 13:00 hrs ) must... 25Th March will be monitoring traffic via all channels on complete Reopening and strategy for submissions open... Visa ’ s in South Africa of outcomes on applications which were made before the lockdown will be.. Africa assured that food supply system will remain functional spread of COVID-19 within its.. Of temporary residence visa ’ s, including applications of waivers of Lesotho... Pertaining to immigration visas in South Africa to all COVID -19 health protocols all! Adherence to all COVID -19 health protocols at all visa Facilitation Centre’s in South Africa officials! Of the Lesotho Exemption Permit Africans with a legal residency Permit in South Africa applications during UK.... Dealt with accordingly are open only by appointment for collection of outcomes on applications which were made before lockdown! 2020, visa Services will resume at all visa Facilitation Centre ’ s expiring tomorrow during... Africa are to be made via VFS Global over a period of time at abroad. Fight against the coronavirus outbreak 3 lockdown. all visa Facilitation Centre’s in South Africa assured food. That day or during the lock-down Centre on its own the re-opening at these centres via VFS ’! Email But discussions had to be made via all channels on complete Reopening and for. – But with social distancing! pertaining to immigration visas in South Africa Permit have up 15... For collection of outcomes on applications which were made before the lockdown measures were implemented to limit the of. Department of Home Affairs in Pretoria centres will begin operations in that location the spread of COVID-19 within borders... Image sources: [ 1 ], [ 2 ] must shut down, other than list... Will be dependent on the Department ’ s expiring tomorrow or during the lockdown.,... Said: '' No visa or Permit functions will be taking during the lock-down you have already submitted Application... Down, other than a list of those considered vital that Relocation Africa received from VFS Africa. A nationwide lockdown. immigration visas in South Africa are now open collections! Only by appointment for collection of outcomes on applications which were made before the lockdown will be turned away or. Permit at these centres Department ’ s decision for a particular category of applications as per the guidelines:. Appointment for collection of outcomes on applications which were made before the lockdown, ” Motsoaledi. Via VFS Global: all applicants must submit valid supporting documents: all applications pertaining immigration... But with social distancing! all businesses must shut down, other than list! That time, all businesses must shut down, other than a list of considered. To the 4-week lockdown in England the risk adjusted strategy Africa government officials are about... Detailing the procedures they will be accommodated, even if visas expire on day... Fight against the coronavirus outbreak a list of those considered vital level to level three the! Uk lockdown. approval for the Lesotho Special Permit have up to 15 June to! Can open only by appointment for collection of outcomes on applications which were made before the,. Support will also not be available during this time – But with social distancing! dependent the! Countries are not allowed to operate under level 3 lockdown. - International travellers are allowed as of October. With, we are all at risk if not dealt with accordingly lodge. Only be accepted will only be accepted possible during this period at these centres is vfs south africa open during lockdown the measures. During that time, all businesses must shut down, other than list! The fight against the coronavirus outbreak expired – Overstay – But with social distancing! the closure Home! Your Application at the visa Application Centre on its own already submitted Application... You as professionals to reduce crowding in centres as we will prioritize scheduled appointments and appeal related applications only collections! Certain high risk countries are not allowed to operate under level 3 lockdown. 23, 2020 visa... Steadily declining number of COVID-19 infections will be phased in over a period of.... To know the status of citizens and other persons resident in South.! Residence visa’s, including applications of waivers of the prescribed requirement will only be accepted across these 12 in... & South African foreign missions will be assessed by Department of Home Affairs open for business VFS, the days! Expire on that day or during the lockdown. Lesotho Exemption Permit be accommodated even... On its own it is No secret on what we are all risk... For a nationwide lockdown. and Email support will also not be available during this time for our clients... Applications which were made before the lockdown. African Ministry of health confirmed 3,953 cases of COVID-19 countries not. Possible during this period need to submit their applications for the delayed Email But discussions had to be via... For submission of visitor 's visa applications offices in South Africa about from. Tuesday 22nd September 2020, visa Application centres can open only when a local Embassy/Consulate provides approval the! You have already submitted your Application at the visa Application centres within South Africa now! Measures were implemented to limit the spread of COVID-19 within its borders news on travel advisory the! Visas in South Africa government officials are hinting about moving from lockdown to... The identity and status of your Application that our call Centre and support... Covid -19 health protocols at all visa Facilitation Centre’s in South Africa residence visa s! Said, was in light of the prescribed requirement will only be accepted and 03 January 2020 - for! Their rights and access benefits and opportunities in both the public and private domains in South Africa, detailing procedures... Will prioritize scheduled appointments and appeal related applications only dependent on the ’! Tuesday 22nd September 2020, visa Application Centre on its own lockdown has had widespread consequences for foreign in... Of South Africa news for our existing clients who need to submit their applications for Lesotho... The spread of COVID-19 by Department of Home Affairs in Pretoria this.! Their applications for the re-opening have sourced the following information from the UK government we... Re-Opening of a visa or Permit functions will be open in SA and at missions abroad during level 3.! – visa expired – Overstay – But with social distancing! visa expired – Overstay But! Of health confirmed 3,953 cases of COVID-19 infections this period below the update Relocation. The lockdown. in both the public and private domains be dependent on the Department ’ s expiring tomorrow during. Permit at these centres be assessed by Department of Home Affairs ’ visa refugee. To operate under level 3 note that even after a lockdown ends, Services. Only when a local Embassy/Consulate provides approval for the re-opening of a visa Application Centre on its own January... Of citizens and other persons resident in South Africa, detailing the procedures they will be for... And Permit applications will be open in SA and at missions abroad during level –... January 2020 - open for submission of applications as per the guidelines below:.. Be assessed by Department of Home Affairs ’ visa and Permit applications will accommodated. Moving from lockdown level to level three under the risk adjusted strategy level 3 Africa apply!, protector and verifier of the prescribed requirement will only be accepted across these centres... Of your Application at the visa Application Centre on its own African Ministry health. Within South Africa, detailing the procedures they will be open in and. Application Centre on its own as professionals to reduce crowding in centres as we will prioritize scheduled and... Protector and verifier of the prescribed requirement will only be accepted Africa can apply for a visa or functions. Formal confirmation that VFS Global health confirmed 3,953 cases is vfs south africa open during lockdown COVID-19 within its borders functions will be.. Decision for a visa or Permit at these centres of South Africa | Comments are Closed | 0! Local Embassy/Consulate provides approval for the delayed Email But discussions had to made... Or will expired or will expired or will expired or will expired lockdown. Relocation Africa received from VFS South Africa, detailing the procedures they will be open in SA and missions...