New processes in respect of temporary residence permits create larger than ever backlogs

The process of immigrating to South Africa has been and still is hard work. This has been made even harder after the unilateral change in respect of the processing of all temporary residence permits. Since June of this year all visitors permit extensions, work permits, spouse permits, study permits, business permits, medical treatment permits, transfers of permits and even landings are being finalized in Pretoria.

The decision to centralize permitting is a further attempt by the Department of Home Affairs to thwart the inconsistencies in the management of applications and of course corruption within the Department. Seen from this perspective the change is welcome. However, the move effectively meant that the regional offices of the Department were relieved of their authority to consider and to issue permits. The result thereof was a clogging of the wheels. The finalization of permits came to a standstill for many months. 

Apparently the Department has seconded officials from offices throughout the Republic to assist with handling the extensive backlogs. Results are few and far between. Even though the permits are being issued sporadically, they are indeed better than nothing at all. If only this decision had been thought out and planned properly, then the changes would be welcomed as the idea behind the change is innovative. But unfortunately it was not thought out and planned.

Contacting the Hub is almost impossible as the contact numbers for the Hub in Pretoria work on an 'on again, off again' basis. In fact, sometimes the lines are answered but put down. The internet verification system is also a very welcome addition to the service offering. But, the data is updated erratically and the correctness thereof is questionable.

Worst of all, the regional offices no longer appear to bear any responsibility for applications submitted and always refer to the Hub - which is hardly ever available. So where does this leave us: past experience has taught us that eventually, the system will work for some applicants.

We endeavor to make this process as painless for our clients as possible.

Permanent residence has suffered the same unilateral change of processing. In fact, this has been in place since 2005. The negative side effects are still ever present. New applications submitted once the 'new system' was properly in place (last year) are being dealt with expediently. Old applications submitted prior to 2009 are caught up in the doldrums.

In closing, the ideas are great but the effective implementation thereof is sorely lacking.