Freshness tracker · ZASouth Africa

Visa fraud backlog clearance and amnesty programme launched

In force Residency

The Schreiber-led DHA reform launched a comprehensive backlog clearance and anti-fraud programme from August 2024 — targeting the several-year processing backlog that had accumulated pre-2024. Parallel anti-fraud enforcement resulted in visa-agent deregistrations and employee dismissals. Operational improvement has been substantial through 2025, though applicants report variable experience.

Who it affects

Applicants with pending visa/permit processing for 12+ months.

Sources

Primary: Department of Home Affairs (South Africa) ↗

Verified 2026-04-19 · methodology · report a correction