Introduction
On 14th February 2022, Phaketha Vikwa, Director of Central Adjudications at South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs (DHA), issued Internal Communique Number 3. This notice officially announced the signing of new delegations on 12th January 2022, which introduced longer visa processing times for long-term visas.
This change followed a prior decision by the DHA to centralise the adjudication of long-term visa applications at their Head Office in Pretoria, moving away from the previous process where visas were adjudicated at South African missions abroad. Initially, this shift was presented as a measure to improve compliance and ensure consistency in applying immigration legislation, and it was met with cautious optimism by the immigration sector.
However, six months after its implementation, the centralised adjudication system has proven to be more of a hindrance than a help. It has not produced the intended efficiencies and has, in fact, resulted in significantly increased visa processing times. The system’s shortcomings have made South Africa a less attractive destination for foreign employment and long-term residence.
Previously, visa applications were processed within a manageable timeframe of six to eight weeks. Now, however, our immigration consultants are seeing estimates from various missions indicating processing times as long as eight months. This is an untenable situation for businesses, as corporates cannot afford to wait this long for their assignees’ visas to be processed. In today’s fast-paced world, time is money, and businesses will inevitably shift their focus to countries with more efficient visa processing systems if South Africa continues down this path.
To make matters worse, some South African missions have introduced procedures that are inconsistent with the country’s immigration laws, adding another layer of confusion for both clients and immigration consultants. For example, certain missions are holding onto applicants’ passports for months during visa processing, making it nearly impossible for individuals to travel while awaiting their visas. This not only disrupts business operations but also leads to financial losses for those who rely on international travel for their work.
The Consequences of Increased Visa Processing Times
The ripple effects of these processing delays are felt not only by individual applicants but also by entire businesses. South Africa’s appeal as a destination for foreign talent and investment is waning as companies seek more efficient and predictable immigration systems elsewhere. The loss of foreign direct investment (FDI) and the potential reduction in global talent coming to South Africa could have a long-term impact on the country’s economy and job creation.
Corporate clients are now questioning whether South Africa is a viable location for their expatriate employees. Long delays mean lost opportunities, and as more companies are forced to reconsider their options, the damage to South Africa’s reputation as a business-friendly destination is growing.
What Can Be Done to Address These Delays?
Over the past months, I have personally written numerous letters to the Director-General and the Minister of Home Affairs, urging the government to rethink the centralised adjudication process. But the need for change goes beyond just decentralising the system. I, along with my colleagues from IBN Immigration Solutions, WESGRO, and various financial chambers, have submitted detailed suggestions to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) on how to mitigate the negative impact of these delays. Unfortunately, our efforts have largely fallen on deaf ears.
But this is not a lost cause. There is still hope if the immigration sector and international businesses band together to advocate for change. By pooling our voices, we can press for more efficient measures to be introduced. The DHA needs to address the significant gaps in planning that led to this situation, and it will take collective pressure from the business community to create the necessary urgency.
A Call to Action for Corporates and Multinationals
Now is the time for corporates, multinationals, and foreign businesses with interests in South Africa to step up. We call on you to use your influence and join the fight for a more streamlined visa processing system. Write to the DHA and the DTI, making it clear that these delays are unacceptable. Your voice carries weight, and by advocating for change, you can help secure a more favourable environment for your business and employees in South Africa.
Local South Africans want and need your business, and despite the government’s actions, so do the departments tasked with facilitating immigration and trade. Together, we can push for reform and ensure that South Africa remains a competitive destination for foreign talent and investment.
If you’re a business leader, decision-maker, or involved in sending foreign employees to South Africa, now is the time to take action. The future of South Africa as a destination for international business depends on it.
Written by: Andreas Krensel and Lauren Daniels
