All foreigners who intend to conduct short term or urgent work in the Republic of South Africa, including, but not limited, to service technicians, trainers / instructors and film crews, for a period not exceeding three (3) months must hold authorization to conduct work in terms of section 11(2), which must be applied for and issued at a South African foreign embassy, before traveling to the Republic of South Africa.
- Section 11(2) authorization to conduct work on a visitor’s visa
- Service technicians (installation, repair and maintenance work)
- Commercial stills and film producing industry
Update: If approved, the authorization to work shall not be extended beyond the validity period of the visa issued. On first issue, a section 11(2) visa may be issued for not more than 3 months. Where a further extension is required within the Republic an extension may be allowed for a final period not exceeding three months.
Any person who has been issued with a section 11(2) visa and had it extended for another 3 months shall not qualify for a section 11(2) visa within the same calendar year. If a visa was issued with dates that overlap into a new calendar year, the dates falling into the new calendar year will be calculated as part of the new calendar year.
Applicants should be informed, and reminded that a section 11(2) is not a work visa and should not be used for an ongoing regular work activity. In the case of technicians for Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) who are required to travel to RSA on a year on year basis to maintain and repair equipment, such applicants will have to re-apply for authorization each year. Back to back 11(2) applications within the same year by the same applicant at the Mission will not be accepted. Within the Republic, extensions or renewals not exceeding 3 months will only be accepted once per calendar year.