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 ↗ · 4 entries shown

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Category All categoriesVisa & immigrationResidencyCitizenshipTaxationLabourHousingHealthcareOther
In force 30 Sept 2025
In force Visa & immigration

Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) pilot launched

DHA launched an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) pilot programme from late 2025 — applying initially to select visa-exempt countries as a pre-travel online authorisation (similar to ESTA or ETIAS). Expected to streamline border processing and enhance security screening. Full rollout expected through 2026.

Who it affects: Visa-exempt short-term visitors from specific participating countries.

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

Announced 15 Jun 2025
Announced Visa & immigration

Critical Skills List review announced for publication in 2026

Minister Schreiber announced a comprehensive Critical Skills List review in 2025, with consultation with business and labour-market stakeholders. Publication of the revised list is expected during 2026. Likely to add emerging-technology occupations (AI, quantum, advanced manufacturing) and potentially refine healthcare and engineering sub-categories.

Who it affects: Current and future Critical Skills Work Visa applicants.

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

In force 1 Mar 2025
In force Visa & immigration

Remote Work Visa added to Immigration Regulations; launched March 2025

The Remote Work Visa was officially added to SA's Immigration Regulations on 28 March 2024; publicly launched by Minister Schreiber on 9 October 2024; applications fully operational from March 2025. 12-month initial visa, renewable annually up to 3 years. Income threshold ZAR 650,976/year (reduced from initially-proposed ZAR 1M).

Who it affects: Non-SA remote workers earning ZAR 650,976+/year.

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

In force 2 Feb 2022
In force Visa & immigration

Critical Skills List 2022 revision in force; further review consultation ongoing

The February 2022 revision of the Critical Skills List remains the operative version through 2025–2026. The list includes approximately 100 occupations across science/engineering, healthcare, agriculture, ICT, and skilled trades. Minister Schreiber announced in 2024 a further review consultation to align with current labour-market needs; results expected 2025–2026.

Who it affects: Critical Skills Work Visa applicants.

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