South Africa waives medical visa requirement and reaffirms firm‑but‑fair migration policy

On 8 July 2026, South Africa’s Minister of Home Affairs issued Immigration Directive No. 10 of 2026, eliminating the need for a medical certificate from applicants for temporary and permanent residence visas both inside and outside the country. The change removes a long‑standing administrative hurdle that added cost and delays without demonstrable public‑health benefit.

President Cyril Ramaphosa later reaffirmed the government’s “firm but fair” migration stance, stressing voluntary repatriation as a core element. Coordinated with the UNHCR, IOM and Red Cross, the programme has processed more than 15,000 Malawian nationals and expanded regional centres such as the Musina Refugee Reception Office to verify documentation. Ramaphosa also warned against vigilantism, urging that only authorised agencies enforce immigration law.