Meridian · Freshness tracker

What's changed.

Dated updates to visa, tax, residency, citizenship, housing, and labour policy across every country tracked. Every entry cites its primary source and the date we last verified it.

Subscribe via RSS ↗ · 5 entries shown

Country All countriesAQAntarcticaAUAustraliaBRBrazilCACanadaCNChina (Mainland)EGEgyptFRFranceDEGermanyHKHong KongIEIrelandITItalyJPJapanMXMexicoMAMoroccoNLNetherlandsNZNew ZealandPTPortugalSGSingaporeZASouth AfricaKRSouth KoreaESSpainAEUnited Arab EmiratesGBUnited KingdomUSUnited States
Category All categoriesVisa & immigrationResidencyCitizenshipTaxationLabourHousingHealthcareOther
In force 1 Dec 2024
In force Residency

DHA digital visa system rollout under Minister Schreiber

Minister Schreiber's major modernisation commitment launched in late 2024 — phased rollout of a fully digital visa and permit application system, integrated online appointment scheduling, and standardised turnaround-time targets. Material operational improvement across most visa categories through 2025, though backlog clearance from the pre-2024 era continues.

Who it affects: All visa and permit applicants processing through DHA.

Department of Home Affairs (South Africa) ↗ · South African Government ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Aug 2024
In force Residency

Visa fraud backlog clearance and amnesty programme launched

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.

Department of Home Affairs (South Africa) ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 30 Jun 2024
In force Residency

Zimbabwean Exemption Permit (ZEP) phase-out extended

The ZEP programme — operating since 2010 for Zimbabwean nationals working in SA — was set for phase-out. The final extension to 30 June 2024 required ZEP holders to apply for mainstream visa types. A significant proportion converted successfully; others faced tough decisions around legal status. Litigation and public-interest advocacy continued through 2024–2025.

Who it affects: Approximately 178,000 Zimbabwean nationals previously on ZEP.

Department of Home Affairs (South Africa) ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 29 Jun 2024
In force Residency

Government of National Unity formed after May 2024 election

The 29 May 2024 election ended ANC's 30-year single-party majority. A Government of National Unity (GNU) was formed on 29 June 2024 with ANC, DA, IFP, and smaller parties. Home Affairs ministry went to the DA (Dr Leon Schreiber), producing a notable shift in tone and operational delivery. ANC retains dominant constitutional and economic ministries.

Who it affects: Broad policy direction; Home Affairs under DA minister.

South African Government ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Apr 2023
In force Residency

Border Management Authority operational

The Border Management Authority (BMA) became operational from April 2023, consolidating border-management functions previously split across multiple departments (Home Affairs, SAPS, SARS Customs, Department of Agriculture). Material improvement in border-post processing speed and integration; ongoing operational refinement through 2024–2026.

Who it affects: All travellers entering and exiting SA.

Department of Home Affairs (South Africa) ↗ · South African Government ↗ · verified 2026-04-19