The South African government has extended the Zimbabwe Exemption Permits by two more years to 2025.
Speaking during a press conference this morning, South Africa’s Minister of Home Affairs Aaron Motsoaledi announced that his ministry extended the Zimbabwean Exemption Permits (ZEP) to 29 November 2025. The latest update comes as the permits are set to expire on 31 December 2023. Following the June extension, Minister Motsoaledi had clarified that the permits would not be extended again.
HOME AFFAIRS UPDATE ON LEP’S AND ZEP’S https://t.co/sXuUkP34G9
The ZEP is a special permit that was granted to Zimbabweans who were previously on the Zimbabwean Special Dispensation Permit (ZSP), which expired in December 2017. It was initially valid for four years, but the government did not renew it. Instead, the ZEP holders were advised to apply for other mainstream visas or permits by 31 December 2022.
However, due to the high volume of applications and the COVID-19 pandemic, the department faced challenges in processing and finalising the applications.
Therefore, the minister decided to extend the ZEP for another six months to June 2023 to avoid disruptions or deportations. In June, Minister Mostoaledi announced another extension to 31 December 2023.
The current extension to 2025 also means that the ZEP holders will not be arrested, ordered to leave the country, or detained for deportation for any reason related to their permit status. They will also be allowed to enter and exit South Africa, provided they comply with all the entry or exit requirements. They will not need to present an exemption permit or authorisation letter to remain in the country during the extension period.
Social media users expressed mixed sentiments about the extension of the Zimbabwe Exemption Permits.
Unathi:
“South Africa cares more about Zimbabweans than the Zimbabwean government cares about Zimbabweans. I guess it’s time for South Africa to invade Zimbabwe and take over the country. It will be easy. Zimbabweans will assist South Africa in doing so!”
Kudex:
“Ndosaka vakwidza passport price vakutoziva kuti ruzhinji rwakanangeko
”
Tadiwa:
“More of us school leavers are coming next year. Expect another 100,000 Zimbabweans in 2024, my dear South Africa!”
Source iHarare
