Key Points
- Extended Validity: Zimbabwean Exemption Permits (ZEPs) are now valid until November 28, 2025.
- Protection for ZEP Holders: During this period, permit holders cannot be arrested or deported for lacking a valid exemption certificate.
- Entry and Exit Rules: ZEP holders can continue to enter and leave South Africa under specific conditions.
- Application Flexibility: A valid exemption certificate is not required when applying for a mainstream visa or temporary stay waiver.
- Advisory Board Reactivation: The Immigration Advisory Board (IAB) will be reactivated to ensure compliance with the High Court’s order regarding the ZEP’s future.
Overview
The South African government has announced an extension of the Zimbabwean Exemption Permits (ZEPs), providing holders with continued legal stay until November 28, 2025. This extension grants Zimbabwean nationals additional time to apply for mainstream visas or temporary stay waivers or to make arrangements to leave the country, if necessary.
The updated ZEP framework includes critical protections for permit holders. During the extension period, ZEP holders cannot be arrested, detained, or deported for lacking a valid exemption certificate. This measure ensures that individuals remain protected from legal repercussions while navigating the immigration process.
ZEP holders also retain the right to enter and exit South Africa under specific conditions, ensuring mobility for work, personal, or family purposes. Additionally, individuals applying for mainstream visas or waivers are no longer required to present a valid exemption certificate as part of the application process, simplifying their pathway to regularize their stay.
The reactivation of the Immigration Advisory Board (IAB) further emphasizes the government’s commitment to addressing the ZEP program’s future. The IAB will ensure South Africa complies with the High Court’s directives, balancing legal obligations with humanitarian considerations.
This extension reflects South Africa’s efforts to provide a structured and humane approach to managing the legal status of Zimbabwean nationals, who contribute significantly to the country’s workforce and economy.
Looking Ahead
The extension of Zimbabwean Exemption Permits to November 28, 2025, offers relief and stability for ZEP holders in South Africa. Permit holders should use this extended period to regularize their stay by applying for mainstream visas or temporary stay waivers.
Employers, immigration advisors, and ZEP holders must stay informed about the requirements for visa applications or waivers and ensure compliance with deadlines. The reactivation of the Immigration Advisory Board signals ongoing policy review, and further updates on the ZEP program’s long-term status may follow.
By extending the ZEP validity and simplifying the application process, South Africa aims to support affected individuals while maintaining regulatory compliance. Stakeholders should remain proactive and seek guidance to ensure smooth transitions under the updated framework.
