The 'extension' requires the cancellation of the existing RP and the process must begin at least 7 days prior to the RP's date of expiration.

I think one can apply for a tourist visa on the last day the existing work RP is valid without being penalised. Must, 7 days' prior, should not and does not apply in my view. Also I recall on one occasion, my 30 day tourist visa had almost expired. I applied for an extension, I got another 10 days, it was an * visa type.

BTW, the old extension visas CLEARLY stated 'extended to......' on the ink stamp that was stamped on a page of my passport.