The Department of Home Affairs has released Directive 15 of 2020 in which it has announced a temporary concession for holders of Intra Company Transfer Visas. The concession provides that foreigners that hold Intra Company Transfer Visas and who are presently residing in South Africa may apply to extend their Intra Company Transfer visas for a further 24 month period.

The concession is applicable to holders of Intra Company Transfer visas that expired during the lockdown as well as to all holders whose visas will expire by 30 June 2021.

The following conditions are applicable to any extension:

1. Proof that the local entity, branch or affiliate of the company abroad still requires the services of the ICT visa holder;
2. Proof in the form of verifiable documents that the skill transfer to a South African or Permanent Residence was completed during the fours (4) years of the visas as per the initial undertaking;
3. The ICT visa application will be considered as a new application with no accumulation nor continuation of the validity period of the current visa;
4. The ICT visa shall not lead towards permanent residence; and that
5. The ICT holder will remain in the employment of the designated employer for whom the initial and current ICT visa was issued.
6. No change of employer, status or condition from current visa.

It is important to note that only holders of Intra Company Transfer Visas that are presently resident in South Africa during the lockdown may make use of the concession.

Please do not hesitate to contact us should you have any questions with regards to this issue.