The South Africa Department of Home Affairs has released Immigration Directive No. 05 of 2023 , which will reduce the number of documents that are required when applying for visas to South Africa. 

Key changes introduced by the Directive include:

• Radiological reports: Applicants are no longer required to provide a radiological report. Radiological reports of the chest were previously required for all visa applicants over the age of twelve to screen for active pulmonary tuberculous. A medical report is still required and must outline details of any disease or defect suffered by the applicant.
• Police Clearance Certificates: Applicants will now only be required to provide police clearance certificates for countries where they have been resident for 12 consecutive months (or longer) in the last five years before the application. 

The above waivers are seen as a step in the right direction for South Africa's immigration process and will drastically reduce the time taken by applicants to prepare the documents required for their visa applications.

Written by Ahlisha Yesmariam, Immigration Paralegal, Baker McKenzie Johannesburg