Hello Koffeed,
My proposed travel date is 0n the 23rd of October and I haven't heard back from the new E-visa application I put in last week, especially as the bank statement was generated online.
How do I go about this fast track visa? My travel period in SA is about 14days.
Thank you for your usual help.

koffeed:


For all those that are in need of a fast track visa for South Africa as in 14 days or less visa, id suggest go through the physical route of applying via vfs. This method unfortunately is considered the best route as well as the requirements are less. If you go through the evisa route be advised that the supposed staff that regulates this method is short staffed hence be prepared to encounter some delays. The other reasons to give yourself enough room per say almost a month for evisa route is that, this method is still new to the government workers and as such most of these agents are known to deny most applicants without any cause.

Between the month of July-September evisa from South Africa has denied almost 90 percent of Indians as well as 90 percent of certain European passport holders without any reason. Lithuanians are getting denied in excess. As of right now almost 98 percent of Pakistans are automatically rejected due to an incident that was recently discovered at the home affairs divisions. If it makes any difference numerous Pakistan passport holders(20 of them) were apprehended at the Johannesburg airpot for using fake evisa documents to get into South Africa. This disaster as of today has been a contributing factor to why most of us are facing rejections.

Oluwamek:
Hello Koffeed,
My proposed travel date is 0n the 23rd of October and I haven't heard back from the new E-visa application I put in last week, especially as the bank statement was generated online.
How do I go about this fast track visa? My travel period in SA is about 14days.
Thank you for your usual help.

Depending on which country you live In and how far the consulate is from you, the quickest option will be to apply through vfs(vfs submits your documents to sa embassy) route, which I believe if you are in Nigeria, you should get a quick approval(within 5-10 days) provided you submit all the needed documents. Not sure if Nigeria has the Premium Vfs service option but that speeds it up faster in 3-5 days.

To also be sincere with you it's been only a week since you applied through the evisa route. I'm assuming you have awaiting adjudication
on your status? Give it a week or two more to receive a decision.

Evisa unfortunately isn't a faster route in the time being. By applying through vfs you can at least have that method as a backup while you await a final decision of the evisa route.

NOTE: To all those needing an expedited visa approval application, vfs(physical route) route is always the best especially when you select and pay for the premium service with them because your package(visa application) arrives at the sa embassy with a tag that makes the consular aware that you are in need of prompt decision due to various reasons( such as a conference you are attending on short notice, or your flight is due to depart in a few days), Evisa doesn't have this method as it takes them days if not weeks to even open an application let alone render it a final decision.

Hope this helps. Cheers

I must commend you, koffeed. All your information on the visa process has been insightful and valuable. Thank you.

Pls is it possible to appeal a rejected e-visa and how does one go about it pls?
The reason for rejection was that I did not attach my ID. I had applied for my mum, using my own bank statement.

koffeed:


Depending on which country you live In and how far the consulate is from you, the quickest option will be to apply through vfs(vfs submits your documents to sa embassy) route, which I believe if you are in Nigeria, you should get a quick approval(within 5-10 days) provided you submit all the needed documents. Not sure if Nigeria has the Premium Vfs service option but that speeds it up faster in 3-5 days.

To also be sincere with you it's been only a week since you applied through the evisa route. I'm assuming you have awaiting adjudication
on your status? Give it a week or two more to receive a decision.

Evisa unfortunately isn't a faster route in the time being. By applying through vfs you can at least have that method as a backup while you await a final decision of the evisa route.

NOTE: To all those needing an expedited visa approval application, vfs(physical route) route is always the best especially when you select and pay for the premium service with them because your package(visa application) arrives at the sa embassy with a tag that makes the consular aware that you are in need of prompt decision due to various reasons( such as a conference you are attending on short notice, or your flight is due to depart in a few days), Evisa doesn't have this method as it takes them days if not weeks to even open an application let alone render it a final decision.

Hope this helps. Cheers

This is my experience with VFS Abuja. I submitted an application on 8/10/2021, and paid the premium fee, this gives you a faster submission experience at the centre, it does not affect the processing time once the file gets to the RSA mission. At the lounge, I asked the person who attended to me what steps to take if I need my passport for a seven days trip at short notice, She said I should simply write an email containing a request to temporarily withdraw my passport for the trip. Three months, after submission, no decision was made, and a need arose for me to travel to another country, I wrote an email as earlier advised, only to get a response instructing me to request a complete withdrawal of my application and accept to forfeit the fee earlier paid. I had to comply because the trip was important.

I Agree that physical submissions may be easier in other countries, for example, after the experience above, on 30/06/2022 I applied for the RSA visa through the VFS Visa application centre in Dubai, the processing time there is 6 days, professionals in certain fields can withdraw their passport and return it later for the sticker once ready. Unfortunately for me , my application was immediately rejected after two days, because my residence permit for the UAE was less than 3 months old at the time, I was aware of this requirement but took the chance anyway.

xdastardx:
I must commend you, koffeed. All your information on the visa process has been insightful and valuable. Thank you.

You guys are always welcome. Cheers as always!

Poetchi:
Pls is it possible to appeal a rejected e-visa and how does one go about it pls?
The reason for rejection was that I did not attach my ID. I had applied for my mum, using my own bank statement.

For now it is pointless to appeal an evisa rejection as the South African evisa department isn't structured as of yet to handle appeals. Although you may receive a letter via email insisting you can appeal, avoid this route and resubmit again with your id/passport(your missing document).

Also can you explain further what you meant by, "I had applied for my mum, using my own bank statement." what do you mean by this? Are you saying you applied on your mum's behalf( your mother being the applicant) and used your bank statement as a sponsor? If so then this can complicate things a bit, as you do need to attach a letter explaining that you are sponsoring your mother on her visit to South Africa and assume full responsibility of the cost of her vacation expenses. Ideally I will recommend that you still have to attach her bank account if she has one as often at times they still need to see her own bank account( this often at times is overlooked if applied at the consulate office but I'm yet to see the response via evisa route).

Depending on how old your mother is they may overlook it and grant her the visa if she's deemed or classified as an elderly lady. My next question will be, are you a South African residence? if so then attach your South African id and in that letter ensure to write your address elaborating that she will be residing with you at your premises.

dynamicd28:





This is my experience with VFS Abuja. I submitted an application on 8/10/2021, and paid the premium fee, this gives you a faster submission experience at the centre, it does not affect the processing time once the file gets to the RSA mission. At the lounge, I asked the person who attended to me what steps to take if I need my passport for a seven days trip at short notice, She said I should simply write an email containing a request to temporarily withdraw my passport for the trip. Three months, after submission, no decision was made, and a need arose for me to travel to another country, I wrote an email as earlier advised, only to get a response instructing me to request a complete withdrawal of my application and accept to forfeit the fee earlier paid. I had to comply because the trip was important.


I Agree that physical submissions may be easier in other countries, for example, after the experience above, on 30/06/2022 I applied for the RSA visa through the VFS Visa application centre in Dubai, the processing time there is 6 days, professionals in certain fields can withdraw their passport and return it later for the sticker once ready. Unfortunately for me , my application was immediately rejected after two days, because my residence permit for the UAE was less than 3 months old at the time, I was aware of this requirement but took the chance anyway.

I'm beginning to notice that VFS in Abuja-Nigeria's work ethics are a bit on the rude side of things and kindly correct me if I'm wrong with this notion. You see in Ghana the service is a bit different, to be sincere the staff actually goes above and beyond their way to ensure that you are given the best of customer service. When you pay premium service in Ghana they actually ensure that you have all the proper documents, often at times they can even alert you before you exit the premises that you will get your passport back in a few days and ideally your package( is always separated from the rest. They do label your package as premium, I know this because I know one of the managers at that location and it's always a calm and fast approach to all your needs. I do apologise if this isn't the service being given at the abuja location.

Also food for thought, anytime you apply physically at vfs branch with regards to a South African visa, always try to find out the status of the South African embassy issuing visas at that time. You see every now and then they tend to pause issuing visas for various reasons, sometimes short staff or going through an audit. each time this is going on these things tend to happen. I say this because I just notice the date you mentioned when you applied during 2021, often at times they tend to go through audits which dramatically slows down issuance of visas.


Unfortunately you are right when it comes to applying for a visa in another country when your residency in that country hasn't surpassed a certain amount of weeks or months but even with that being said sometimes they do make an exception depending on your reason as to why you need to travel to another country when you've just moved into another country. My advice is also elaborate to them and further explain that you've been assign a work assignment that requires you to visit country "x" or better yet you are going for an important and delicate reason. Never use vacation as your reason. By doing so you may be able bypass this restriction.

dynamicd28:


I successfully uploaded the 4.6mb file. Two more left, experiencing the same challenge with a 4.3 mb . The last file is currently at 8mb , we have been working to reduce it to below 5, it was initially 16mb, we shall continue tommorrow.

When I clicked "view", to see the 4.6mb file already uploaded, it took a very long time to open. I am inclined to agree with you rather than the HACC response. The error message has something to do with the file size or quality, perhaps the website struggles to accept files close to the 5mb limit .

The UAE visa application gave me the same file size/quality challenges during upload in early 2022, which I eventuality overcame. On a lighter note this application process has made me memorise my passport number due to the numerous logins.

Document upload was successfully completed, the sweet spot file size for ease of upload is a maximum 3.8 mb , and in addition very strong internet connection and several attempts. I paid R425 with my access bank USD card. DHA EVISA

koffeed:


For now it is pointless to appeal an evisa rejection as the South African evisa department isn't structured as of yet to handle appeals. Although you may receive a letter via email insisting you can appeal, avoid this route and resubmit again with your id/passport(your missing document).

Also can you explain further what you meant by, "I had applied for my mum, using my own bank statement." what do you mean by this? Are you saying you applied on your mum's behalf( your mother being the applicant) and used your bank statement as a sponsor? If so then this can complicate things a bit, as you do need to attach a letter explaining that you are sponsoring your mother on her visit to South Africa and assume full responsibility of the cost of her vacation expenses. Ideally I will recommend that you still have to attach her bank account if she has one as often at times they still need to see her own bank account( this often at times is overlooked if applied at the consulate office but I'm yet to see the response via evisa route).

Depending on how old your mother is they may overlook it and grant her the visa if she's deemed or classified as an elderly lady. My next question will be, are you a South African residence? if so then attach your South African id and in that letter ensure to write your address elaborating that she will be residing with you at your premises.

Thanks so much for your wisdom. I am here on work visa and inviting my 73 years old mum for 4 months from Nigeria. So you are correct- I applied on her behalf and used my bank statement (South Africa). I think I can reapply and like you suggested add her account statement in addition to mine? She's a few hundred KM away from Lagos so not practical for me to bring her to Lagos VFS- hence e-visa route. Appreciate your feedback, thanks

Poetchi:


Thanks so much for your wisdom. I am here on work visa and inviting my 73 years old mum for 4 months from Nigeria. So you are correct- I applied on her behalf and used my bank statement (South Africa). I think I can reapply and like you suggested add her account statement in addition to mine? She's a few hundred KM away from Lagos so not practical for me to bring her to Lagos VFS- hence e-visa route. Appreciate your feedback, thanks

You are always welcome my friend. Concerning the bank account, yes you should attach your mother's account as well as yours and then, as i stated in the previous message, attach a letter explaining kindly that you will be in charge of all her living expenses. Your mother's application shouldn't be that difficult for any evisa staff member to issue her the visa. Attach your South African id, as well as attach the workers permit visa stamp you have in your passport. These two should solidify your relationship with your mother to the staff agents.

The section that tells you to upload a letter explaining her trip/stay in South Africa, be sure to detail out the relationship between your mother and yourself, elaborating the reasons why she wants to come and see you. Remember you are writing on her behalf thus any warm words will be welcome.

Make sure to also choose multiple entry on the application( due to the relationship between yourself and your mother, often at times South Africa may give a longer visa which goes up to 2 years), the only issue is your mother will have to vacate South Africa every 90 days and come back into the country just to show she didn't overstay. Normally you can have her travel to Lesotho for just a day and come right back. doesn't even have to be a day, she just needs to step into another neighbouring country and travel back into South Africa so her Visa can be renewed for every 90 days. I recommend this because you did explain you want her to visit for 4months.

Finally about your bank statement, since you are using your South African bank statement, you can log online and print out the digital stamp statements which normally comes with a reference code for each month(FNB bank has this option as well as other South African banks), this will solidify to any evisa agent that your accounts are up to date and legitimate as they will be able to use your reference number to check if need be.

Hope this helps and as always cheers!!

Please who knows how South African visa can be fastracked. It's been more than 2 months I applied via VFS office at port Harcourt, haven't gotten any response since then. My scholarship expires in less than 2 months. What do you guys advise I should do?

koffeed:


I'm beginning to notice that VFS in Abuja-Nigeria's work ethics are a bit on the rude side of things and kindly correct me if I'm wrong with this notion. You see in Ghana the service is a bit different, to be sincere the staff actually goes above and beyond their way to ensure that you are given the best of customer service. When you pay premium service in Ghana they actually ensure that you have all the proper documents, often at times they can even alert you before you exit the premises that you will get your passport back in a few days and ideally your package( is always separated from the rest. They do label your package as premium, I know this because I know one of the managers at that location and it's always a calm and fast approach to all your needs. I do apologise if this isn't the service being given at the abuja location.

Also food for thought, anytime you apply physically at vfs branch with regards to a South African visa, always try to find out the status of the South African embassy issuing visas at that time. You see every now and then they tend to pause issuing visas for various reasons, sometimes short staff or going through an audit. each time this is going on these things tend to happen. I say this because I just notice the date you mentioned when you applied during 2021, often at times they tend to go through audits which dramatically slows down issuance of visas.


Unfortunately you are right when it comes to applying for a visa in another country when your residency in that country hasn't surpassed a certain amount of weeks or months but even with that being said sometimes they do make an exception depending on your reason as to why you need to travel to another country when you've just moved into another country. My advice is also elaborate to them and further explain that you've been assign a work assignment that requires you to visit country "x" or better yet you are going for an important and delicate reason. Never use vacation as your reason. By doing so you may be able bypass this restriction.

I beg to disagree with on the attitude of VFS (South Africa), Abuja Staff. They are the most polite and helpful than their counterparts handling Canada and other Schengen applications. Every single time I've gone there, they've been really helpful. They go through every single document you want to submit, and ask you to get any that may be missing.

When submitting applications at VFS, the applicant should bear in mind that the average processing time in Nigeria is three months. An application submitted earlier this year in March was adjudicated in June. Returning from SA, I submitted another application in October, and I'm not expecting a response till December. The good thing however is, I have my passport with me in case of other travels.

Absolutely correct.

Africankel:


I beg to disagree with on the attitude of VFS (South Africa), Abuja Staff. They are the most polite and helpful than their counterparts handling Canada and other Schengen applications. Every single time I've gone there, they've been really helpful. They go through every single document you want to submit, and ask you to get any that may be missing.

When submitting applications at VFS, the applicant should bear in mind that the average processing time in Nigeria is three months. An application submitted earlier this year in March was adjudicated in June. Returning from SA, I submitted another application in October, and I'm not expecting a response till December. The good thing however is, I have my passport with me in case of other travels.

Africankel:


I beg to disagree with on the attitude of VFS (South Africa), Abuja Staff. They are the most polite and helpful than their counterparts handling Canada and other Schengen applications. Every single time I've gone there, they've been really helpful. They go through every single document you want to submit, and ask you to get any that may be missing.

When submitting applications at VFS, the applicant should bear in mind that the average processing time in Nigeria is three months. An application submitted earlier this year in March was adjudicated in June. Returning from SA, I submitted another application in October, and I'm not expecting a response till December. The good thing however is, I have my passport with me in case of other travels.

Thanks for bringing my attention to this. It's unfortunate though that South African visa when applied at vfs in Abuja takes such a long time, for just a normal tourist visa is just not normal and ideal. Any tourist visa for that matter shouldn't take more than three months to obtain especially if it's just a tourist visa and not for a longer stay(business visa, or permanent residency visa).

Besides audits which does prolong issuance of visas at the embassies( they normally conduct audits 4 times in a year) or being short staffed often at times I don't see why it should take such a long time to issue a tourist visa to an individual.

wilcoxz:
Please who knows how South African visa can be fastracked. It's been more than 2 months I applied via VFS office at port Harcourt, haven't gotten any response since then. My scholarship expires in less than 2 months. What do you guys advise I should do?

You can always email the consulate office or if possible place a call to the embassy to see if you may get any feedback. Your visa I presume is a student visa, unfortunately long stay visas for sometime now have been backlogged when processing. It's unfortunate that they can't figure a way out of this debacle but continue to see if you can get a hold of them stressing the urgency of needing to speak to someone at the embassy. I might even suggest that you pay a visit to the embassy and when asked by the security guard if you have an appointment make him/her aware that you are there to see the consular. If they say do you have an appointment, you may want to say yes you do and insist you've been emailed and directed to come to the office. Reason why I'm saying this is realistically you are allowed to visit a South African consular on issues, they may not publicise it but you always quietly have that option. Since it's a scholarship you may be on a time crunch and I'd suggest you take this route asap. Ensure you have your scholarship letter with the date and all documents to let them know how urgent this matter is.

Most of the times documents/applications are stockpiled at the embassy without having anyone go through them especially when it comes to long stays that require temporary or permanent residencies such as yours.

NOTE: anyone applying for a long stay visa such as student visa, business visa(although recent economic improvements have prioritise this as a fast track), critical skills visa, permanent residency such as retirement visas have all been subjected to a long duration of processing, often at times extending to 6month to year due to the backlog. It has gotten to the point where those in South Africa that need renewals such as student visas have been given a blanket waiver( meaning they are allowed to stay legally in South Africa) while their application is being processed.

koffeed:


Thanks for bringing my attention to this. It's unfortunate though that South African visa when applied at vfs in Abuja takes such a long time, for just a normal tourist visa is just not normal and ideal. Any tourist visa for that matter shouldn't take more than three months to obtain especially if it's just a tourist visa and not for a longer stay(business visa, or permanent residency visa).

Besides audits which does prolong issuance of visas at the embassies( they normally conduct audits 4 times in a year) or being short staffed often at times I don't see why it should take such a long time to issue a tourist visa to an individual.

Please, in a situation where the Host has been contacted for confirmation and yet, another three weeks have passed without response, is it still normal? The delay is tiring 😫

Same here.... I applied in VFS, Port Harcourt exactly 3months today.... No response.... I even went there to ask them to be sure, they forwarded the application promptly.

wilcoxz:
Please who knows how South African visa can be fastracked. It's been more than 2 months I applied via VFS office at port Harcourt, haven't gotten any response since then. My scholarship expires in less than 2 months. What do you guys advise I should do?

Rachyekong:


Please, in a situation where the Host has been contacted for confirmation and yet, another three weeks have passed without response, is it still normal? The delay is tiring 😫

Sincerely I do feel your urgency, the good thing with your application is that the host has been contacted by South African Home Affairs/embassy, which means your application is actually being processed and has picked up momentum by being looked through by a consular officer. unfortunately you just have to be a bit patient and see if you can give it a bit more time per say a week or two and see the outcome. To answer your question, it is normal unfortunately for this duration but I have a feeling a solution will be rendered shortly

When it comes to time management and fast tracking applicants with temporary stays and permanent residencies, it can be a bit frustrating but kindly hang on. You are almost at the finish line

Rachyekong:
Same here.... I applied in VFS, Port Harcourt exactly 3months today.... No response.... I even went there to ask them to be sure, they forwarded the application promptly.

So let me understand this clearly, the entire three months your application was still at VFS until you went there before it was forwarded promptly?

This is the response I got after I sent an email about my SA refusal because of my Ghana Yellow Card.

I found the email addresses here

No.... I only went there to know the exact time, my application was forwarded. They told me, that same day but I argued with them, because, the first two weeks of tracking, I saw... Your application has been forwarded to South African High Commission... I didn't track it throughout the third week... the fourth week, I got... Your application has been received and under assessment at South African High Commission.

I insisted, they should explain.... But, they couldn't even have good explanation... I angrily left them.

koffeed:


So let me understand this clearly, the entire three months your application was still at VFS until you went there before it was forwarded promptly?

dexydidi:
This is the response I got after I sent an email about my SA refusal because of my Ghana Yellow Card.

I found the email addresses here

Yes that's expected of them to email you with that appeal process. It's useless and time consuming if you choose that route, SA evisa is yet to assign staff agents to address appeals. If you do appeal you will be met with another email that instructs you to just apply again. Personally I'd suggest you apply again perhaps with this time see if you can use your Ghana yellow card to gain a proper Nigerian yellow card since you already have the vaccines. it should be an easy switch. Although I'm baffled as to why evisa will refuse your Ghana yellow card. I say this because you applied online so it shouldn't have been refused unless they've been told to only accept yellow cards from the applicants home country which means if you are Nigerian, you should have a Nigerian yellow card and not a Ghanaian one. This will seem silly to me honestly but I wouldn't be surprised.

Rachyekong:
No.... I only went there to know the exact time, my application was forwarded. They told me, that same day but I argued with them, because, the first two weeks of tracking, I saw... Your application has been forwarded to South African High Commission... I didn't track it throughout the third week... the fourth week, I got... Your application has been received and under accessment at South African High Commission.

I insisted, they should explain.... But, they couldn't even have good explanation... I angrily left them.

Doesn't surprise me. Often at times when they receive your application, they input the information into their computer which then begins processing and sends you an update. Always be cautious that when it says your application has been forwarded to South African High Commission it doesn't mean it has left Vfs, it's just a formality to let you know it's ready to be submitted to SA embassy. Only when you receive the "received and under assessment at South African High Commission", should you believe it's finally at the said location.

This issue is not the first, Vfs not just with Nigeria but most countries tend to make this mistake. Very frustrating

Exactly the point, I argued with them. From my own understanding, it took about 3weeks for the application to have been received by the High Commission.

koffeed:


Doesn't surprise me. Often at times when they received your application they input the information into their computer which then begins processing and sends you an update. Always be cautious that when it says your application has been forwarded to South African High Commission it doesn't mean it has left Vfs, it's just a formality to let you know it's ready to be submitted to SA embassy. Only when you receive the "received and under assessment at South African High Commission", should you believe it's finally at the said location.

This issue is not the first, Vfs not just with Nigeria but most countries tend to make this mistake. Very frustrating

My biggest concern with South African Embassies with this EVISA issue is sooner or later they are scheduled to put an end to the partnership they've had with VFS Global for years now due to price increase and cutting back on the country's spending. This was primarily why Evisa was created besides trying to digitise everything and make processing applications easier for applicants and the Home Affairs department.

Most countries that have adopted the Evisa approach are intending on doing the same in the near future but from what I've been told South Africa is geared to make a shift as early as next year with all the countries they've approved for Evisa.

Exactly the point, I argued with them.... From my own understanding, it took 3weeks for my application to get to the High Commission. I hope, it won't take another 3weeks to get response, when the Embassy finalised my application.

koffeed:


Doesn't surprise me. Often at times when they received your application they input the information into their computer which then begins processing and sends you an update. Always be cautious that when it says your application has been forwarded to South African High Commission it doesn't mean it has left Vfs, it's just a formality to let you know it's ready to be submitted to SA embassy. Only when you receive the "received and under assessment at South African High Commission", should you believe it's finally at the said location.

This issue is not the first, Vfs not just with Nigeria but most countries tend to make this mistake. Very frustrating

wilcoxz:
Please who knows how South African visa can be fastracked. It's been more than 2 months I applied via VFS office at port Harcourt, haven't gotten any response since then. My scholarship expires in less than 2 months. What do you guys advise I should do?

I think you may want to take a play book from "Rachyekong" and verify if your application has indeed left the vfs office at Port Harcourt, since another member of this site had a similar incident. Pay VFS a visit and double check your sms if your application indeed arrived at the South African High Commission on time. I'm hoping you paid(money wise) a bit to have the sms track, that way you can just verify by going through your text messages.

Rachyekong:
Exactly the point, I argued with them.... From my own understanding, it took 3weeks for my application to get to the High Commission. I hope, it won't take another 3weeks to get response, when the Embassy finalised my application.

Keep an eye on it. For what is best let's always be optimistic about future outcomes.

Cheers as always!

I emailed VfS on the 4th of October requesting to withdraw my application to get my passport back because I submitted it alongside with my documents. And I needed my passport back because my evisa was approved earlier. I just decided to use the two route to have a better chance of getting my visa.
I was sent a withdrawal form, which I did filled and returned to them via email. I did disturb them everyday with calls requesting that I needed my passport back for a business travel and I don't need the visa again. Surprisingly they returned my passport yesterday with an approved sticker visa, multiple entries.

A friend of mine went to VfS last week and cause a scene and after three days his visa was approved.

Another went to VfS on Wednesday, complaining bitterly and that same evening, his HR called to inform him that the embassy has called to confirm if he's working there, meaning they just started processing his file.

I feel VfS has a way of influencing those working at the embassy to process a particular file if they person complains/disturbs them about the delay or something.

Always try to go back to VfS and complain about your delay, or how urgent and important you need the visa, especially if you have a scholarship with an expiry date. They can reach the embassy through call or email and I feel the embassy respect them.

crusader6:
I emailed VfS on the 4th of October requesting to withdraw my application to get my passport back because I submitted it alongside with my documents. And I needed my passport back because my evisa was approved earlier. I just decided to use the two route to have a better chance of getting my visa.
I was sent a withdrawal form, which I did filled and returned to them via email. I did disturb them everyday with calls requesting that I needed my passport back for a business travel and I don't need the visa again. Surprisingly they returned my passport yesterday with an approved sticker visa, multiple entries.

A friend of mine went to VfS last week and cause a scene and after three days his visa was approved.

Another went to VfS on Wednesday, complaining bitterly and that same evening, his HR called to inform him that the embassy has called to confirm if he's working there, meaning they just started processing his file.



I feel VfS has a way of influencing those working at the embassy to process a particular file if they person complains/disturbs them about the delay or something.

Always try to go back to VfS and complain about your delay, or how urgent and important you need the visa, especially if you have a scholarship with an expiry date. They can reach the embassy through call or email and I feel the embassy respect them.

Yes VFS has a tremendous way of influencing South African Embassy, I was trying to let others become aware of this earlier on with a chat I had with one member on this platform. Often at times perseverance can get you far with the outcome. Normally the manager in charge at the vfs section handling applications for South Africa has direct contact with the Consular officer in charge of issuing the visa at the embassy, I Know this because I've had the privilege of dealing with both the Vfs management at Ghana as well as other Vfs representing South Africa on parts of Africa on business negotiations that transpired.