Cape Town – Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi has extended the Zimbabwean Exemption Permits (ZEP) for an additional six months.
The ZEP, which allows Zimbabwean nationals to live and work legally in South Africa, will now be valid until 31 December 2023.
The extension was made in response to the increasing number of visa and waiver applications from affected Zimbabwean nationals.
“The Departmental Advisory Committee (DAC), led by Dr Cassius Lubisi, is now dealing with the increased number of visa applications. The minister is equally considering and approving waiver applications on a daily basis,” said the department.
The department has been receiving between 1 000 and 1 500 visa and waiver applications of the affected Zimbabwean nationals daily.
“The minister took into consideration the said factors, including (to a certain extent) submissions received from the affected Zimbabwean nationals, relevant officials of the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) and other interested parties, and decided to issue another Immigration Directive, extending the validity of Zimbabwean exemption permits for a further period of 6 months, ending on 31 December 2023,” it said.
ALSO READ | Helen Suzman Foundation slams Home Affairs’ decision to terminate ZEP system
During the extension period, ZEP holders will not face arrest, deportation, or detention related to their lack of a valid exemption certificate. They will be permitted to enter and exit South Africa as long as they comply with entry and exit requirements.
No exemption permit or authorisation letter will be required to stay in the country.
The ZEP was originally created during the economic and political crisis in Zimbabwe in 2008-2009, and it has been extended over the years.
The decision to terminate the ZEP was announced in December 2021 but was followed by an initial six-month extension to allow for alternative visa applications.
Motsoaledi is expected to send a letter to Minister Naledi Pandor of International Relations and Cooperation, asking her to issue a note verbale to the Zimbabwean ambassador, informing him about the decision.
Follow African Insider on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
Picture: Twitter/@Am_Blujay
For more African news, visit Africaninsider.com
Compiled by Betha Madhomu
