South Africa’s Minister of Home Affairs has issued Immigration Directive No. 6 of 2026, granting temporary visa concessions for airline passengers and crew stranded due to airspace closures across several Middle East and Gulf countries following military strikes. The directive, effective under section 31(2)(c) of the Immigration Act, 2002, outlines measures to facilitate legal stay and departure options for affected individuals until 31 May 2026 or the lifting of restrictions in the region, whichever occurs first.1
WHY THIS MATTERS
This development aims to address the immediate challenges faced by globally mobile airline personnel and travellers unable to return home or continue their journeys due to regional instability. For global mobility managers, HR leaders, and mobile employees, the directive provides a framework that may help affected individuals maintain legal immigration status, avoid penalties related to overstay, and access clear remediation routes if affected by travel delays.
Key Highlights
Immigration Directive No. 6 of 2026 introduces temporary measures designed to accommodate airline passengers and crew who cannot depart South Africa due to military-related airspace closures in Iran, Iraq, Syria, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Israel, Palestine, Jordan, and Oman. The directive is significant as it provides a legal basis for continued stay and procedural relief for affected individuals.
- Visitor visa extension: Passengers and crew whose long‑term visas expire on or before 31 March 2026 and who meet all prescribed requirements may apply for a visitor’s visa under section 11(1)(a) on or before their current visa expiry. No change of status or conditions is permitted.
- Visitor visa renewal: If a visitor’s visa has reached its maximum period (and is otherwise non-renewable), affected individuals may apply for a new visitor’s visa with the same conditions for up to three months. No change of status or conditions is allowed.
- Temporary residence visa renewal: Affected individuals whose temporary residence visas have expired may renew without first obtaining FORM 20 (authorisation for illegal foreigners to remain while applying for status).
- Overstay leniency: Those with pending applications who are unable to depart due to airspace closures will not be declared undesirable for overstaying.
- Appeal of undesirability: Individuals declared undesirable upon departure after 26 February 2026, due to airspace closures, may appeal via email (middleeast.overstay@dha.gov.za) with supporting evidence.
- Duration and scope: Concessions apply only to those legally admitted into South Africa and remain effective until 31 May 2026 or until travel restrictions are lifted.
KPMG INSIGHTS
In light of the changes, organizations may wish to promptly identify affected employees, advise them on application options and deadlines, and assist in gathering necessary documentation for appeals if required. Employers could monitor ongoing developments in the region and maintain contact with immigration advisers to facilitate ongoing compliance.
If readers have any questions or concerns about the scope of the update, its application and potential impacts, and appropriate next steps, they should consult with their qualified immigration professional or a member of the GMS immigration team with KPMG in South Africa (see the Contacts section).
ENDNOTE:
1 Department of Home Affairs, “Immigration Directive No. 6 of 2026.”
Contacts
Disclaimer
* Please note the KPMG International member firm in the United States does not provide immigration or labour law services. However, KPMG Law LLP in Canada can assist clients with U.S. immigration matters.
The information contained in this newsletter was submitted by the KPMG International member firm in South Africa.
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