The validity period was initially 31 July 2020, but it has now been extended by 3 months until 31 October 2020.
This means that lawfully issued visas which expired from 15 February and during the period of the lockdown are now valid until 31 October 2020.
Minister Arron Motsoaledi said “Anybody who is in South Africa with a permit that expired from 15 February when we made the first extension until 31 July, anybody whose permit expired, will not be punished for not being able to renew it.”
The department said those who wish to return to their countries during the lockdown period can do so without being declared "undesirable persons".
The refugee reception offices throughout the county remain closed. VFS offices are open only by appointment for collection of outcomes on applications which were made before the lockdown.