Despite significant progress in reducing the backlog of visa applications, concerns remain over the potential for further delays and bureaucracy in South Africa's immigration system. According to Xpatweb, a leading immigration and relocation expert, the Department of Home Affairs is actively working to clear the backlog, but the sheer volume of applications continues to pose a challenge. With approximately 31,000 new applications received each month, the department is striving to clear a backlog of over 140,000 applications. The current processing time for visas is still significant, with many applications taking several months or even years to be finalized. This has created major concerns for businesses and individuals seeking to attract and retain top talent. The situation has been further exacerbated by the recent changes in visa regulations, which have made it more challenging for foreign nationals to obtain work visas. The government has acknowledged the issues and has made efforts to improve the situation, but the complexity of the system means that progress is slow and challenging. The situation is further complicated by the fact that the Department of Home Affairs is responsible for multiple functions, including border control, immigration, and refugee affairs. In the meantime, Xpatweb has called for greater collaboration between government agencies and the private sector to find a solution to the backlog. The organization has also emphasized the need for a more streamlined and efficient immigration system that supports economic growth and development.