The South African government has granted an extension for the validity of Zimbabwe Exemption Permits (ZEPs) until November 28, 2025.
Initially, holders of ZEPs were required to submit applications for a one-year exemption by November 29, 2024, which would have allowed them to remain and work in South Africa until 2025. Failure to comply would have led to deportation.
However, the ZEP Holders Association (ZEPHA) expressed concerns about delays at the Department of Home Affairs (DHA), which made it difficult for many holders to meet the deadline.
In response to these concerns, South Africa’s Minister of Home Affairs, Leon Schreiber, announced an extension of the permits. This extra time allows for additional consultations with ZEP holders and relevant stakeholders regarding the future of the permits.
In his official notice, Minister Schreiber clarified that the extension would remain in place until November 28, 2025, allowing the Immigration Advisory Board (IAB) sufficient time to fulfill the court’s order and determine the future of the ZEP program.
The notice outlined the following key points:
- Existing ZEPs will remain valid for the next 12 months.
- ZEP holders will not face arrest, deportation, or detention due to the lack of a valid exemption certificate during this period.
- ZEP holders may enter and exit South Africa as long as they meet all other entry requirements, excluding the absence of a valid visa in their passport.
- ZEP holders will not be required to present a valid exemption certificate or visa when applying for temporary visas.
This extension provides a crucial window for further discussions and a more comprehensive approach to resolving the status of ZEP holders in South Africa.
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