South Africa moved to Level 3 lockdown on the 1^st June 2020. Unfortunately, while most Government services resumed at Level 3, the Department of Home Affairs will not be providing immigration services to the public.

This means that the processing of short term visas, temporary residence visas and permanent residence permit applications will not recommence, and further no new applications will be accepted during this period.

Furthermore the South African Embassies and Consulates will remain closed, as will the Visa Facilitation Service Centres.

The visa concessionary measures as per our previous blog dated the 17^th April 2020 remain in effect.

The South African borders will remain closed and no international travel will be allowed except for very limited situations. These include Emergency Life Saving Medical Treatment, and the repatriation of South African citizens and permanent residents.

As mentioned above most other government services, as well as professional bodies will resume operations, and accordingly where the services of such government services or professional bodies are required in the preparation of a visa application e.g. SAQA and Department of Trade and Industry, then the relevant documentation can be submitted, and at least some progress can be made whilst South Africa remains in Level 3.

Please don’t hesitate to contact us should you require our services.