One of the consequences of the huge backlog of visa applications and the extremely long processing periods is that many applicants have turned to the courts to force the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) to process their applications timeously. This is having a negative financial impact on DHA as the courts are issuing legal cost orders against DHA. The new Minister of Home Affairs, Dr Leon Schreiber, has committed to eradicating the backlog partly due to the reason that the DHA simply cannot afford to keep paying these legal costs.

According to the Minister a dedicated team was set up in April to assist with the backlog which has seen good results with the backlog of 306 042 being reduced by 92 886 – a reduction of 30%. It should be noted that the fact that the team was only set up in April 2024 shows the “laisse-faire” attitude of the previous minister who appeared particularly unconcerned about the hardships that were being caused by the backlog. The backlog has now been an issue for approximately 3 years and to only set up a dedicated team in April 2024 is simply negligent. The team dealing with the backlog has been assisted by resources provided by Deloites, FNB and certain business organisations.

The Minister has also committed to the structural visa reforms recommended by Operation Vulindlela. In this regard the points-based work visa would be finalised, the remote working visa and start up visas would be rolled out, and more countries would be considered for visa exempt status for tourist purposes.