Monthly Newsletter by Abroadscope & Visas Abroad CEO, Candice Magen

As we kick off the new year, we reflect on a highly dynamic 2025 in the South African visa and immigration arena. Despite constant flux, the appetite for tourism and immigration to South Africa remains robust.

More than ever, 2025 underscored the ever-changing nature of global mobility. While Minister of Home Affairs, Dr Leon Schreiber, has driven significant reforms over the past year, deep-seated systemic challenges persist.

Before detailing the visa and immigration updates, I want to share exciting developments at the Abroadscope Group.

What’s new at the Abroadscope Group

2025 was a record-breaking year for Abroadscope since our 2013 inception. Our Visas Abroad company continued its rapid growth, providing smooth, seamless, and stress-free visa application support for clients globally.

We have bolstered our support teams and implemented a fully automated, tech-driven system that complies with international standards because nothing is more important than keeping clients' data secure. Our system streamlines everything from client onboarding and billing to visa finalisation.

Crucially, we've strengthened our professional services. We welcomed an admitted attorney to our immigration legal services offering. Our attorney brings an end-to-end legal approach, integrating property, commercial, and immigration law to manage complex, high-pressure cross-border matters, from emergency airport interventions to resolving overstay bans. His expertise ensures integrated, legally grounded support for individuals and businesses operating in South Africa.

We also welcomed Zara Nicholson as our Media and Public Relations Liaison. With 19 years of extensive experience in media, government, and stakeholder relations, Zara will work to elevate our brand and establish Abroadscope & Visas Abroad as the leading voice on visa and immigration matters in mainstream media. We have already seen great success in this area with our commentary featuring in news articles and published opinion pieces. Read these articles here: https://www.visasabroad.co.za/ 

We are thrilled to welcome these professionals, elevating our service offering and solidifying our niche as the go-to experts in South African immigration and visas.

VISA UPDATES:

TTOS, ETA, and Digital Schemes

Last year saw key inbound visa updates, including the launch of the Trusted Tour Operator Scheme (TTOS) for India and China, designed to ease group bookings. While a positive step, the lack of growth in arrivals from these markets shows that beyond visa reform, effective marketing is still required to sell South Africa as a premier destination.

Late last year, the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) also launched the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), a new online portal replacing outdated paper systems. The ETA allows online applications, biometric capture, and promises visa responses within days, enhancing both security and traveller experience. Initially rolled out for G20 delegates and then tourists from China, India, Indonesia, and Mexico arriving at OR Tambo and Cape Town International airports, the ETA aims to become the single entry-point for all tourist visas and will eventually expand to other visa categories with facial recognition at all ports of entry.

Complementing the ETA, the DHA announced two new digital schemes: the Screen Talent and Global Entertainment Scheme (STAGES) for the film and TV industry, and the Meetings, Events and Exhibitions Tourism Scheme (MEETS) for the music, events, and sports sectors. These schemes aim to simplify access and promises faster turnaround times for visa applications.

STAGES was officially gazetted in November 2025 to boost South Africa's creative production standing. This digital platform, similar to the successful Trusted Employer Scheme (TES) and TTOS, promises visa processing in as little as 24 hours for approved international production companies.

Trusted Employer Scheme (TES)

Phase 2 of the TES, set to launch last July, is still pending. The second phase of this scheme will enable approved employers to submit Critical Skills, Intra-Company Transfer, and General Work Visa applications online, aiming to streamline work visa approvals from months to days, ease employer burdens, and attract global talent.

Policy and Concession Updates

The Immigration Amendment Bill went through the parliamentary process last year, which seeks to address two Constitutional Court judgments. It amends section 34(1) of the Immigration Act, ensuring that detained illegal foreigners are brought before a court within 48 hours to determine if further detention for deportation is in the interests of justice.

Another key update last year was due to the persistent backlog, the temporary concession for foreign nationals awaiting waiver or long-term visa appeal outcomes was extended until 31 March 2026. 

This allows legally admitted applicants to remain in South Africa and travel without being declared "undesirable." However, these concessions are temporary fixes and a comprehensive system overhaul with increased human capacity is essential to eradicating the backlog.

The validity of Zimbabwean Exemption Permits (ZEP) and Lesotho Exemption Permits (LEP) was also extended, granting 18 months of protection beyond the current expiry date of 28 November 2025.

Late last year, the 60-day rule for visa extensions saw sudden, stringent enforcement. This regulation requires visa extensions to be filed at least 60 days before expiry to avoid refusal and overstay penalties. While previously flexible, applications not meeting this window are now being refused, often without consideration for mitigating circumstances. This change creates unnecessary difficulty that could be resolved through a fair assessment of good cause applications. 

In summary, 2025 delivered numerous changes and new digital schemes. However, significant uncertainty and frustration remain due to cumbersome Home Affairs processes. While digitisation is critical, it must be supported by adequate human capacity and fair interaction. Global mobility is fundamentally about people—treating individuals fairly and respecting their unique circumstances.

Abroadscope  & Visas Abroad looks forward to another year of strong collaboration with our trusted partners, providing top-tier service, monitoring reforms, and making global mobility dreams a reality.

Here's to a successful 2026!