COVID-19: Temporary concession announced for intra-company transfer visa holders

IMPACT – HIGH

South Africa recently announced a temporary concession for holders of intra-company transfer (ICT) visas residing inside the country.

Key Points:

• Holders of valid ICT visas residing in South Africa are now allowed to apply for another 24-month term for the intra-company visa they currently hold.
• Holders of ICT visas that expired during the lockdown, the current period or will expire by June 31, 2021, are eligible to apply. The following conditions apply:
  • Such ICT visa applications are new applications with no validity period continuation for the current visa.
  • The ICT visa does not contribute to the establishment of permanent residence.
  • The ICT visa holder will stay employed by the same employer when the first and current ICT visa was granted
  • There can be no change in employer, status or condition from the current visa.
• Applicants must also be able to provide:
  • Proof the South Africa branch of the employer abroad still needs the ICT visa holder’s services; and
  • Verifiable documents that prove the skill transfer to a South African or permanent residence was completed during the four years of the initial employment. Deloitte is establishing what details are required to be verified.

Additional Information: The new temporary visa concession only applies to holders of ICT visas residing in South Africa during the lockdown.

Analysis & Comments: The temporary visa concession will provide some relief to ICT visa holders residing in South Africa. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

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