Cape Town – Minister of Home Affairs Leon Schreiber has highlighted the urgent need to address the country’s significant visa application backlog, which currently stands at approximately 213,000 applications.
Since assuming office in June, Schreiber has taken steps to reduce this backlog, appointing a dedicated team that has already decreased the initial backlog of 306,042 applications by 92,886.
In my first act as Minister, I have immediately extended the concession to safeguard skilled workers, tourists and other people affected by visa processing delays at Home Affairs. I have done so after the previous concession expired on 30 June, which left applicants vulnerable to… pic.twitter.com/WHbJPhQb6p
— Leon Schreiber (@Leon_Schreib) July 4, 2024
“This is a reduction of 30%. But we must do more because clearing this backlog is the only way to avoid another extension of the concession on visas, waivers and appeals that have already been granted three times,” the minister said, according to The South African.
Schreiber said that clearing the backlog is crucial to avoid further extensions on visa concessions already granted multiple times.
The backlog primarily affects visa categories requiring thorough verification processes, such as relative and spousal permits, leading to delays of up to two years for applicants.
The minister views resolving the backlog as a top priority to enhance South Africa’s competitiveness, facilitate economic growth, and create jobs by attracting skills and boosting tourism.
“In order for us to be effective in unlocking scarce skills and growing tourism to create jobs, Home Affairs must urgently clear the backlog in the processing of permits,” Schreiber said.
He has implemented daily reporting mechanisms to monitor progress closely and aims to meet the previous administration’s target of clearing the backlog by November 2024.
Follow African Insider on Facebook, X and Instagram
Picture: X/@mazolman63
For more African news, visit Africaninsider.com
Compiled by Betha Madhomu
