In December, the South African Department of Home Affairs (DHA) issued a directive that has caused a stir among international visitors.
Known as ‘swallows,’ tourists who typically stay for up to six months face an abrupt end to their visit due to a new mandate requiring them to leave by the end of February 2024.
As per the Daily Maverick, the directive, published on 21 December 2023 and titled ‘Concession: Extension of temporary concession in respect of foreign nationals in light of a continued backlog in processing outcomes on waiver applications, visa applications and appeal applications,’ caught many off guard.
Also read: WC experiences record-breaking December with over 400k tourists
The directive specifies that short-term visas issued up to and including 30 November 2023, for stays of 90 days or less will not be extended if the renewal outcome is not received by 23 February 2024.
Visitors must arrange to leave by 29 February 2024, to avoid being declared…