The Minister of Home Affairs, Malusi Gigaba, has granted a waiver to international students who currently have study visas expiring from the end October and November 2015 following consultations with the International Education Association of South Africa (IEASA).

This intervention by Minister Gigaba seeks to assist international students who are negatively affected by the recent student protests and the subsequent decision by universities to postpone their examinations.

These students would have been declared undesirable when leaving the country on expired visas. The students will now be allowed to stay in South Africa until 31 December 2015 and will not be declared undesirable if they exit before the extended date. Any student who intends to return to South Africa in 2016 for study purposes will have to follow the usual process of either applying for a renewal of their visa or apply for a study visa in their country of origin, whichever is applicable.

The IEASA is currently liaising with the affected universities to compile a list of such students.

Once received, the list will be communicated to the Department of Home Affairs to ensure that only bonafide students are covered by this provision.

Minister Gigaba takes this opportunity to encourage all students writing their examinations to dedicate their energies to studying and wishes them well in their endeavors.

For media enquiries kindly contact Mayihlome Tshwete or Thabo Mokgola on 060 962 4982

ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENR OF HOME AFFAIRS