South Africa has introduced significant changes to the general work and critical skills visa process, including a new Points-Based System and ministerial waivers. These updates aim to streamline applications and enhance the quality of approvals. For more details, read our latest blog below or contact us at +27 10 745 0326.

At Ostabet Africa, we are thrilled to announce and fully support the Department of Home Affairs' latest initiative, the Trusted Tour Operator Scheme (TTOS), set to launch in January 2025. This ground-breaking scheme is poised to revolutionise South Africa's tourism landscape by simplifying and accelerating the visa application process for tourists from China and India, two of the world's largest outbound travel markets.

What TTOS Means for South African Tourism

TTOS is designed to remove the barriers that have hindered South Africa from becoming a top destination for tourists from these crucial markets. By providing vetted and approved tour operators with fast-tracked, group visa application processing, TTOS aims to attract significantly more visitors from China and India, boosting our tourism sector and driving economic growth.

With Chinese tourists making over 100 million outbound trips in 2023, and only 93,000 visiting South Africa, the potential for growth is immense. Similarly, Indian tourists currently make up just 3.9% of all international visitors to South Africa. The TTOS scheme will play a vital role in tapping into these underrepresented markets and positioning South Africa as a preferred destination.

How Ostabet Africa Can Assist Tour Operators

As experts in immigration and visa facilitation, Ostabet Africa is uniquely positioned to assist South African tour operators in becoming accredited under the TTOS scheme. Our comprehensive services include:

• Guidance through the TTOS registration process

• Assistance in meeting all accreditation requirements

• Support in fast-tracking tourist visa applications for your clients

We believe that by partnering with us, tour operators can maximise their potential in these lucrative markets, offering a seamless and efficient visa process that will attract more tourists and boost their businesses.

Looking Ahead

The TTOS is just the beginning of Home Affairs’ efforts to digitally transform and modernise South Africa’s visa system. Ostabet Africa is committed to staying at the forefront of these developments, ensuring our clients benefit from the latest advancements and opportunities in the immigration and tourism sectors.

Contact Us

If you are a tour operator looking to capitalise on this new scheme, contact Ostabet Africa today to find out how we can assist you in becoming a TTOS-accredited operator. Together, we can help drive South Africa’s tourism industry to new heights.

📧 hello@ostabet.africa
📞 (+27) 11-568-0450
🌐 https://ostabet.africa

In a significant step towards modernizing the Department of Home Affairs, Minister Dr. Leon Schreiber has announced a new digital process for delivering visa waiver application outcomes via email. This marks the beginning of a broader digital transformation aimed at increasing efficiency and reducing corruption within the department.

Starting immediately, holders of Zimbabwe Exemption Permits (ZEPs) will be the first to receive their waiver outcomes digitally. No more waiting in line at VFS branches—digital waiver letters, sent in PDF format, will arrive directly in your inbox. This change is part of Home Affairs' ongoing efforts to clear the massive permitting backlog, with over 60,000 ZEP waiver applications already processed thanks to this new approach.

At Ostabet Africa, we understand the impact this change has on your immigration journey. If you’re unsure how this new process affects your current or future applications, our expert team is here to guide you every step of the way.

Take Action:

Don't miss out on these critical updates. Contact us today for a consultation on how this digital transformation may affect your visa or permit application. Visit our website or book your clarity call here.

Stay informed, stay ahead. Let's navigate these changes together. #ImmigrationUpdate #HomeAffairs #OstabetAfrica

10 August 2024

Zimbabwe Exemption Permit (ZEP) holders applying for a General Work Visa (GWV) are no longer required to obtain a recommendation letter (also known as a ‘labour certificate’) from the Department of Employment and Labour or provide proof of qualifications evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority. Previously, ZEP holders had to secure these documents before submitting their GWV application to the Department of Home Affairs, a process that could take up to 28 weeks. This waiver is intended to simplify the GWV application process for ZEP holders and aligns with the department’s broader efforts to reduce regulatory hurdles and address existing visa backlogs.

This update is for informational purposes only. For further inquiries, please contact your global immigration professional at Ostabet Africa or email hello@ostabet.africa.

07 July 2024

Foreign nationals with pending long-term visa applications, including appeals and waivers, as of 30 June 2024, have been granted an additional temporary extension of their status until 31 December 2024. However, this extension does not apply to those holding short-term visas valid for 90 days or less who applied for a renewal but whose applications were not processed by 30 June 2024. Such individuals must depart South Africa within 90 calendar days from the expiration date of their initial short-term visa.

This update is provided for informational purposes only. For any inquiries, please reach out to your global immigration contact at Ostabet Africa or email hello@ostabet.africa.

23 June 2024

The Constitutional Court has dismissed the appeal filed by the Minister of Home Affairs, which sought to challenge the Pretoria High Court's 2023 ruling on the termination of the Zimbabwean Exemption Permit (ZEP) program. This dismissal means that the current ZEPs will remain valid until the Minister completes the court-mandated consultation process.

Background on the Issue:

The controversy surrounding the Zimbabwean Exemption Permit (ZEP) program began on 22 September 2023, when the High Court declared the Minister of Home Affairs' decision to terminate the program and refuse an extension beyond 31 December 2023, as unlawful, unconstitutional, and invalid. The court provided temporary relief, instructing the Department of Home Affairs to keep the ZEPs valid until 30 June 2024. Following this ruling, the Minister sought leave to appeal, which was granted.

On 9 November 2023, the High Court dismissed a request for an execution order that would have prevented the deportation of ZEP holders who had not applied for alternative visas by 31 December 2023. The court confirmed that ZEPs would remain valid until 30 June 2024.

On 19 March 2024, the Supreme Court of Appeal granted the Minister leave to take the matter to the Constitutional Court. During this appeal process, the ZEPs were to remain valid until 30 June 2024. If the appeal had succeeded, the ruling against the Minister would have been suspended, potentially leading to the termination of the ZEPs before 30 June 2024. However, the Constitutional Court's dismissal of the appeal now ensures that ZEPs will stay valid until the consultation process, as required by the court, is completed.

This update is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Ostabet Africa or send an email to hello@ostabet.africa.

27 May 2024

South Africa's Department of Home Affairs has just announced groundbreaking changes to the work-permit regime, officially launching the "Nomad Visa" for remote workers!

The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has released regulations for the newly introduced points-based system for the General Work Visa, following the withdrawal of the previous draft amendments. The new system will streamline the application process by reducing documentary requirements—such as no longer needing a letter from the Department of Labour—and will instead evaluate eligibility based on criteria including age, qualifications, language proficiency, work experience, employment offer, and salary. The DHA is expected to provide further information on the points allocation for each criterion and the implementation timeline in the upcoming months through an official gazette, at which time we will share further updates. This change is part of a broader effort to simplify South Africa’s immigration process and attract skilled foreign professionals.

This update is for informational purposes only. For any inquiries, please contact your global immigration professional at Ostabet Africa or email us at hello@ostabet.africa.