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Topic: Immigration | Show questions and answers for all topics
You can apply for a Section 26 (B) Life Partner Permit, which is a permanent resident permit that caters for people who are in a long term relationship, but who have not married, as in your case.
You need to apply online for a critical skills visa through VFS Global, the company that handles all Home Affairs applications.
Your frustration with Home Affairs is understandable. You may want to get legal assistance.
You can be sentenced to up to 12 months in prison for entering the country illegally.
A person applying for temporary residence has to apply from outside of the country, but you can get an exemption from this by applying to Home Affairs through VFS Global..
Asylum seekers (i.e. people who do not hold refugee status) may apply for a residence permit.
Your husband can appeal to the Minister of Home Affairs.
Unfortunately the short answer is that there does not seem to be a way to compel Home Affairs to resolve matters urgently.
The Constitutional Court ruled in October 2018 that a blanket ban on asylum seekers applying for temporary or permanent residence visas was not justified.