South Africa’s Ministry of Home Affairs has extended the deadline for visa and permit holders whose documents expired in March because of delays in processing applications.
The new deadline is 30 September, giving temporary relief to thousands of foreign nationals, including Zimbabweans, waiting for their immigration status to be finalized.
Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber announced the extension on Tuesday through Immigration Directive Number 4 of 2025.
This directive allows a temporary solution for foreign nationals affected by delays in processing visa appeals and manual applications.
The extension is especially important for holders of the Zimbabwe Exemption Permit (ZEP), as many Zimbabweans are uncertain about their legal status in South Africa.
Schreiber acknowledged that despite efforts to fix the backlog, many visa applications remain unprocessed due to administrative delays. Said Schreiber:
<blockquote>
The Department of Home Affairs has, since issuing Immigration Directive No. 16 of 2024, dated 18 December 2024, been working to clear the backlog in its visa and permitting regime.
However, many applications will not be ready for collection before the deadline of 31st March 2025, as stipulated in the previous concession, primarily due to delays in the printing process.
Furthermore, the processing of the resultant appeals, as well as some manual category applications, will not be completed by the expiry of the current concession and is now the department’s primary focus.
</blockquote>
The extension will give the Department of Home Affairs more time to process applications and allow applicants to collect their results and submit applications for the right visas.
Schreiber added that applicants who want to cancel their waiver applications and leave South Africa before 30th September will not be considered undesirable under immigration laws.
Visa holders waiting for their waiver application results can travel in and out of South Africa without being considered undesirable until 30th September 2025.
However, non-visa-exempt applicants with pending waiver applications must apply for a port of entry visa before returning to South Africa.
The minister also clarified that the extension applies to long-term visa applicants, but they must still follow the conditions of their visas. He said:
<blockquote>
The extension also applies to visa holders who have applied for long-term visas, as outlined in Section 11(1)(b) of the Immigration Act, up to and including Sections 20 and 22 of the Act, and whose visa application is still pending as of the date of this directive.
</blockquote>
Schreiber clarified that the temporary concession does not apply to those waiting for permanent residence approval. These applicants must keep their stay legally valid while awaiting approval.
The measures apply only to foreign nationals who are legally in South Africa and have submitted applications through VFS Global, with a verifiable receipt from the VFS tracking system.
More: <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/sa-extends-visa-permit-deadline-for-zimbabweans/">Chronicle</a>

Pindula News

South Africa is giving more time to people whose visas expired in March because of delays. Now, they have until September 30 to sort things out. The government wants to process applications faster. If you applied for a visa, you can still stay in South Africa even if it hasn't been decided yet. But if you are waiting for permanent residence, you must follow the rules until you get approval. This deadline extension helps people who are waiting for their visa results and allows them to travel in and out of the country without trouble.

South Africa Extends Visa Deadline For ZEP Permit Holders

The Zimbabwe Exemption Permit Holders Association (ZEPHA) accuses South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs (DHA) of blocking ZEP holders from applying for permanent residence, despite them having lived, worked, and paid taxes in South Africa for many years, as allowed by the Immigration Act.
In a memo sent to the Zimbabwean ambassador to South Africa, David Hamadziripi, ZEPHA details specific instances of discrimination that it claims have been happening, including:
<ul>
<li>Traffic authorities have flatly refused to renew the driving licences of several ZEPHA members and then set up roadblocks searching for foreigners without licences;</li>
<li>Police raids have increased in communities where Zimbabweans are concentrated;</li>
<li>ZEP holders’ bank accounts have been frozen, or put on hold, by banks because their ZEP permits were deemed invalid;</li>
<li>SA law enforcement has been stepped up at companies employing Zimbabweans, and this campaign of harassment has resulted in many employers terminating the employment of Zimbabwean workers;</li>
<li>Dismissed Zimbabwean workers have had their Unemployment Insurance Fund and pension fund payments withheld;</li>
<li>Children of ZEP permit holders have been prevented from writing exams because they lack study visas; and</li>
<li>There are numerous recorded instances of Zimbabweans, including pregnant women, being denied treatment at SA hospitals.</li>
</ul>
In 2023, the Gauteng High Court ruled that the Department of Home Affairs’ decision to end the ZEP programme was unlawful and unconstitutional. The court ordered the government to engage with the ZEP community.
ZEPHA argues that, although the programme was extended until the end of 2025, many applicants for permanent residence will not be able to meet the deadline.
ZEP holders must book online appointments with the visa processing company VFS, but many have waited four months or more without receiving an appointment. As a result, their applications will not be processed before the programme expires at the end of the year.
ZEPHA said that no one can reach their full potential in such a toxic environment, which is the reality for Zimbabweans in South Africa.
The organisation has appealed to the Zimbabwean government to help speed up a program for voluntary return home. The memo concludes:
<blockquote>
History has taught us that the return of significant numbers of the diaspora back to their country of origin, in various jurisdictions at various times, has led to economic development, transfer of skills, diversity of industry, and national pride.
</blockquote>

ZEPHA is upset with South Africa's DHA for not letting ZEP permit holders apply for permanent residence. They say ZEP holders have faced discrimination and problems like not renewing driving licenses, bank accounts freezing, and police raids. The Gauteng High Court says ending the ZEP program was wrong, but many can't apply for residence before it ends. ZEPHA wants Zimbabweans to return home for a better environment. They believe it will help Zimbabwe's economy and bring skills and diversity.

ZEPHA Accuses South Africa’s DHA Of Frustrating ZEP Permit Holders

The Zimbabwe Exemption Permit Holders Association (ZEPHA) has appealed to the Zimbabwean government for assistance in fast-tracking a voluntary return programme due to the increasingly difficult conditions faced by many of its members living in South Africa.
There are approximately 178,000 people holding Zimbabwe Exemption Permits (ZEPs) in South Africa, including both permit holders and their dependent family members.
A memo sent by ZEPHA to the Zimbabwean ambassador to South Africa, David Hamadziripi, seen by <a href="https://www.moneyweb.co.za/news/south-africa/help-bring-us-home-zimbabwean-permit-holders-say-life-in-sa-has-become-intolerable/">MoneyWeb</a>, reads in part:
<blockquote>
Zimbabweans are now forced to litigate when they go to the hospital, schools, universities, travel on the roads, and at the workplace.
</blockquote>
ZEPHA adds that it has already launched a repatriation programme, but would like the Zimbabwean government’s help in assisting with the relocation of thousands of ZEP holders in finding accommodation and business opportunities, and to assist in lowering regulatory barriers to smooth their return. Reads the memo:
<blockquote>
Many South Africans believe that Zimbabweans are hapless ZANU PF victims useful only for their highly sought-after cheap, efficient, and trustworthy labour.
Their assistance for Zimbabwean staff extends only to prolonging exploitation, but not to provide Zimbabweans with the rights required to live full and dignified lives.
In my view, they have no interest in the stability of Zimbabweans in South Africa, and the generations that will follow.
</blockquote>
According to the memo, the majority Black population in South Africa blames Zimbabweans for taking jobs, housing, healthcare, and economic opportunities, leading to the rise of vigilante groups targeting Zimbabweans with violence, robbery, and even murder, with little prosecution of perpetrators.
Xenophobia has been fueled by political parties like the Patriotic Alliance, MK Party, and ActionSA, while groups such as Operation Dudula and Put South Africa First have specifically targeted Zimbabweans.
These attacks often intensify during elections and national crises like COVID-19 and load shedding. The memo adds:
<blockquote>
The white minority blames ZANU-PF for ruining the Zimbabwean economy and forcing its citizens to flee to SA to avoid poverty, political persecution and maladministration.
The mainstream media, which they control, have successfully sold the South African population the idea that Zimbabwe is a failed state, which will never recover without them, and that it stands as an example of what could happen to South Africa if their interests are not protected.
</blockquote>
ZEPHA says the abuse of Zimbabweans in South Africa has caused significant psychological and emotional harm to the entire Zimbabwean community in the country.

Zimbabweans living in South Africa are facing many problems. They are being mistreated and blamed for taking jobs and resources. Many are even attacked and killed by violent groups. The Zimbabwe Exemption Permit Holders Association wants the Zimbabwean government to help them return home because life has become unbearable in South Africa. They say the abuse and discrimination have hurt them emotionally and mentally. They are asking for help in finding housing, jobs, and support to start over in Zimbabwe. The situation is very bad and dangerous for Zimbabweans in South Africa.

ZEP Permit Holders Say Life In South Africa Has Become Unbearable

The Zimbabwe Community in South Africa has welcomed the extension of the Zimbabwe Exemption Permit (ZEP) scheme by the South African government for a further six months to 31 December 2023.
On Wednesday, 07 June, South Africa’s Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi extended the validity of the ZEP permits which were expiring on 30 June 2023.
He extended the ZEP permits for a further period of 6 months, ending on 31 December 2023.
Speaking to <a href="https://www.voazimbabwe.com/a/7127518.html">VOA News </a>after Motsoaledi extended the ZEP Permits, Bongani Mkhwananzi, spokesperson of the Zimbabwe Community in South Africa, urged his compatriots to use the opportunity to regularise their status. Said Mkhwananzi:
<blockquote>
We welcome this directive and we are grateful to the minister for taking into consideration the plight of our fellow compatriots and also acknowledging that he is signing a lot of waivers and that many people have started applying for the waivers.
This extension should be used by our compatriots to migrate to the mainstream permits.
They should not take this extension just as a chance to stay and do nothing about their documents.
So, we encourage people to continue to apply for waivers as the minister has advised that he is signing these on a daily basis.
</blockquote>
Motsoaledi said the holder of a ZEP permit will be allowed to enter and exit South Africa, provided they comply with all entry or exit requirements.
ZEP holders would not be required to present an exemption permit or authorisation letter to remain in the country during the extension period.
During the economic and political strife in Zimbabwe in 2008 and 2009, many Zimbabweans fled to South Africa as economic and political refugees.
At the time, the South African government created a blanket exemption so that Zimbabweans could get permits to live and work legally.
The permits were effectively extended by creating another permit over the years, which has since become known as the ZEP.
More than 178 000 ZEP holders have been in South Africa for over a decade.
On 29 November 2021, a directive was issued by the Director-General of the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) confirming the cabinet’s decision to discontinue the ZEP scheme.
The ZEP permits, which were due to expire on 31 December 2021, were automatically regarded as valid until 31 December 2022.
On 2 September 2022, the Minister of Home Affairs extended ZEP for an additional 6 months until 30 June 2023 to allow the holders to apply for one or another visa for which they may qualify in terms of the Immigration Act.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Zimbabweans Praise SA Government For Extending ZEP Permits Scheme

South Africa’s Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi has extended the validity of exemption permits issued to Zimbabwean nationals which were expiring on 30 June 2023.
The Zimbabwean Exemption Permits (ZEP) have been extended for a further period of 6 months, ending on 31 December 2023.
Motsoaledi has since directed the country’s Border Management Authority, Provincial Offices, Regional and District Offices, Immigration Officers: Port Control, Immigration Officers: Inspectorate, Permitting Sections, and Civic Centres to adhere to the extensions of the permit.
He said holders of valid exemption permits should not be arrested, ordered to leave South Africa or be detained for purposes of deportation for not having permit stickers or labels on their passports. Reads the order:
<blockquote>
MINISTER’S IMMIGRATION DIRECTIVE NO 2 OF 2023
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE DECISION NOT TO EXTEND ZIMBABWEAN NATIONALS’ EXEMPTIONS GRANTED IN TERMS OF SECTION 31(2)(b), READ WITH SECTION 31(2)(d) OF THE IMMIGRATION ACT 13 OF 2002
I, Dr PA Motsoaledi, MP, Minister of Home Affairs having, with the powers bestowed upon me in terms of section 31(2)(b), read with section 31(2)(d) of the Immigration Act, decided to extend the validity of Zimbabwean exemption permits issued to Zimbabwean nationals for a further period of 6 months in order to allow the holders thereof to apply for one or other visas and waivers provided for in the Immigration Act, (read with Immigration Regulations, 2014) that they may qualify for, hereby direct that this decision should be implemented as follows, during the further 6 months’ period, starting from 30 June 2023 and ending 31 December 2023:
1. No holder of a valid exemption permit may be arrested, ordered to depart or be detained for purposes of deportation or deported in terms of the section 34 of the Immigration Act for any reason related to him or her not having any valid exemption certificate (i.e. permit label/sticker) in his or her passport. The holder of a valid exemption permit may not be dealt with in terms of sections 29, 30 and 32 of the Immigration Act.
2. The holder of a valid exemption permit may be allowed to enter into or depart from the Republic of South Africa in terms of section 9 of the Act, read together with the Immigration Regulations, 2014, provided that he or she complies with all other requirements for entry into and departure from the Republic, save for the reason of having an expired exemption permit indicated in his or her passport; and
3. No holder of exemption should be required to produce-
(a) a valid exemption certificate/permit;
(b) an authorisation letter to remain in the Republic contemplated in section 32 
(2) of the Immigration Act when making an application for any category of visas, including temporary residence visas.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

SA's Home Affairs Minister Directive Extending ZEP Permits | Full Text

The South African Minister of Home Affairs has extended the validity of Zimbabwean Exemption Permits (ZEP) for a further period of 6 months.
The permits were set to expire on 30 June 2023 and following the extension, are now valid until 31 December 2023.
A statement issued on 07 June 2023, by South Africa’s Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi reads:
<blockquote>
PRESS STATEMENT ON THE ISSUING OF MINISTER’S IMMIGRATION DIRECTIVE NO: 2 OF 2023, EXTENDING THE VALIDITY OF THE EXEMPTION PERMITS ISSUED TO THE ZIMBABWEAN NATIONALS
1. As you are aware, the Minister of Home Affairs (Minister) issued a directive in September 2022, extending the validity of exemption permits issued to Zimbabwean nationals to 30 June 2023. Since that time, significant developments took place.
2. The Minister has approved thousands of waiver applications for the affected Zimbabwean nationals. This has resulted in a significant increase in the number of visa and waiver applications. 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.
3. Unlike before since May/beginning of June 2023, VFS Global is now receiving between 1 000 – 1 500 visa and waiver applications of the affected Zimbabwean nationals daily. For these reasons, the Director-General has deployed more officials to assist in the processing of the applications.
4. 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. A copy of the Directive is annexed hereto marked “A”.
5. The Minister’s Immigration Directive no: 2 of 2023, will be published in the Extraordinary Government Gazette tomorrow on Thursday, 8 June 2023
6. The Minister calls upon all interested parties to take into consideration the said Directive in their decision-making processes.
The Minister will be addressing a letter to the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation requesting her to issue a note verbale to bring the Directive to the attention of His Excellency, the Ambassador of the Republic of Zimbabwe.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

South Africa Extends ZEP Permits Expiry Deadline

Over 178 000 Zimbabweans who are holders of the Zimbabwean Exemption Permit (ZEP) have exactly a month to find alternative ways to regularise their stay in South Africa.
The ZEP is set to expire on 30 June 2023 when the grace period announced by the South African government to allow the holders to comply with the country’s immigration laws lapses.
More than 178 000 Zimbabwean nationals have been living, working and attending school in South Africa using the Zimbabwean Exemption Permit.
South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs discontinued the permit after it was first issued over a decade ago but three civil rights groups have challenged this move in the Pretoria High Court.
If the Pretoria High Court rules in favour of the Department of Home Affairs, thousands of Zimbabweans will be deported from South Africa.
<a href="https://ewn.co.za/2023/06/01/zep-zimbabweans-in-sa-have-a-month-to-find-alternative-ways-to-regularise-stay">EWN</a> reported that until recently, the Department of Home Affairs has been requiring Zimbabweans to apply for alternative permits such as the spousal or work permit but the process has been complicated.
Many who have opted for the work permit have had to travel back to Zimbabwe to start their application.
Zimbabweans have also been required to apply with the Department of Labour for exemptions if their skills are not considered scarce.
The Pretoria High Court reserved its ruling in the battle between Home Affairs and civil groups but time is running out for thousands of Zimbabweans who may soon find themselves as illegal migrants in South Africa.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Zimbabwean Exemption Permit Holders Left With One Month To Regularise Stay In SA

Zimbabwean Exemption Permit Holders Association (ZEPHA) legal counsel, Advocate Simba Chitando has said they will appeal if the Pretoria High Court rules in favour of the South African Government in their court application on the discontinuation of the Zimbabwean Exemption Permit (ZEP).
Chitando is seeking the court to grant ZEP holders permanent residence in South Africa. 
ZEP expires on 30 June 2023 but there are no indications as to when the Pretoria High Court will deliver its ruling on the application by ZEPHA and other human rights organisations such as the Helen Suzman Foundation (HSF).
HSF has argued that the decision by South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs to terminate the ZEP scheme without proper public consultation is unlawful and wants the court to set aside the directive.
Asked on <a href="https://www.sabcnews.com/sabcnews/deadline-for-zimbabwean-exemption-permits-draws-near/">SABC News</a> what the plan was if the court rules in favour of the South African Government, Chitando said:
<blockquote>
The litigation has been brought not just by the Helen Suzman Foundation but also by several other parties.
If successful in that litigation… we will wait for the relief and the relief will give us direction about what will happen to the ZEP holders.
Some of the parties that have instituted the litigation sought permanent residence… which is what the institution I am representing is seeking while the Suzman Foundation wants the Government to reconsider their decision.
Either way, we are bound by the court decision and we do not know when it will take place.
If we are successful… the Government would have to take a decision on whether they are going to appeal the judgement and obviously if we are unsuccessful I can guarantee you that we would appeal the judgement that is not in favour of ZEP holders.
</blockquote>
The Zimbabwe Exemption Permit (ZEP) system was introduced more than a decade ago to regularise the status of Zimbabweans who were illegally in SA due to political and economic hardships at home.
The Department of Home Affairs last year announced that the ZEP system would be terminated in June 2023, by which time ZEP holders would have to apply for “regular” SA visas.
Several Lesotho nationals living and working under the so-called Lesotho Exemption Permit have likewise been told that their services are no longer required.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Lawyer Representing ZEP Holders Vows To Appeal If Court Rules In SA Government's Favour

The Government is working with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) to conduct a nationwide needs assessment and sensitisation exercise in preparation for the return of thousands of Zimbabweans from South Africa whose Zimbabwe Exemption Permits (ZEP) are set to expire on 30 June this year.
The <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/sa-returnees-government-conducts-needs-assessment-exercise/">Chronicle</a> reported that five teams have been deployed to carry out the exercise which started on Sunday and will end this coming Sunday.
The teams will be visiting various Government departments, institutions and communities for data collection.
The teams visited Gwanda District for the data collection on Wednesday and on Friday, the team will move to Bulawayo while on Saturday it will be in Nkayi.
The teams will also visit Mutoko, Mutare, Chipinge, Buhera, Zaka, Mwenezi, Masvingo, Gutu, Kwekwe, Gokwe, Kadoma, Chegutu, Zvishavane, Chitungwiza, Epworth, Harare and Goromonzi.
In a statement, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Permanent Secretary James Manzou explained the main objective of the needs assessment. He said:
<blockquote>
As you would know, South Africa will not renew the Zimbabwe Exemption Permits expiring on 30 June 2023.
In response, the Government has put in place a repatriation and reintegration plan to cater for the anticipated arrival of hundreds of Zimbabwean citizens by 30 June.
As part of preparations for the arrival of those Zimbabweans, the Technical Committee on the return of Zimbabweans from South Africa will carry out a joint needs assessment and sensitisation exercise together with International Organisation for Migration across the country.
The teams that will go around the country are drawn from various Government departments so as to widen the scope of this exercise.
</blockquote>
The Zimbabwe Exemption Permit system was introduced more than a decade ago to regularise the status of Zimbabweans who were illegally in SA due to political and economic hardships at home.
The Department of Home Affairs last year announced that the ZEP system would be terminated in June 2023, by which time ZEP holders would have to apply for “regular” SA visas.
Several Lesotho nationals living and working under the so-called Lesotho Exemption Permit have likewise been told that their services are no longer required.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZEP: Govt Conducts Needs Assessment For South African Returnees

Helen Suzman Foundation (HSF), director Nicole Fritz, and her family received threats on Twitter the day before the foundation’s court action to stop the discontinuation of the Zimbabwean Exemption Permit (ZEP) by South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs.
On 10 April, Twitter user one Freeman Bhengu (@zibuseman) warned they would deal with Fritz and her daughter. Wrote Bhengu:
<blockquote>
We are watching her and we know where she stays, her daughter, and their closed offices in Parktown, we will deal with her tomorrow @Nicole Fritz.
</blockquote>
The HSF, along with the Zimbabwe Immigration Federation and the Zimbabwean Exemption Permit Holders, are challenging in court the decision by the Department of Home Affairs to scrap the ZEP.
Around 178 000 ZEP holders will be affected by the decision.
The hearing started in the Pretoria High Court on 11 April.
<a href="https://www.groundup.org.za/article/twitter-threats-to-litigants-in-zimbabwean-exemption-permit-court-case/">GroundUp</a> reported Fritz as saying the threats are “enormously disturbing” and that those working in social justice or human rights should not experience such harassment.
She said other litigants were also receiving threats.
Meanwhile, the Global South Against Xenophobia (GSAX) has issued a statement calling on the South African Police Service (SAPS) and South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) to act.
GSAX urged SAPS to protect Fritz during the duration of the court hearings or until the perpetrators are arrested and to investigate all the threats.
Fritz said this isn’t the first time she has been threatened. She said the same person has emailed her in the past telling her that she is being watched.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Litigants In Zimbabwean Exemption Permit Court Case Receive Twitter Threats

Lawyers representing South Africa’s Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi on Wednesday said no rights will be taken away when the Zimbabwean Exemption Permit (ZEP) system comes to an end in June, reported <a href="https://www.groundup.org.za/article/zep-no-rights-were-taken-away-home-affairs-lawyers-tell-court/">GroundUp</a>.
The Pretoria High Court is hearing an application by the Helen Suzman Foundation and the Consortium for Refugees and Migrants in South Africa to have the minister set aside the decision.
They are seeking the setting aside of the minister’s decision to terminate the ZEP system on 30 June 2023.
Advocate Ismail Jamie, counsel for the Minister of Home Affairs, told a full bench of the Pretoria High Court that there was no decision to terminate the ZEP system.
Rather, ZEP holders were given until June 2023 to regularise their stay in South Africa by applying for other visas or asking to be exempt from the expiration of the ZEP. 
Jamie said rights that were temporarily conferred in the first place had been allowed to lapse through the passage of time. He said:
<blockquote>
Just as the government was free to adopt (a visa exemption) policy in respect of Zimbabweans as it relates to the conditions prevailing in that country in 2008 and 2009, it is free to change that policy in 2023.
</blockquote>
Jamie said that consultation with ZEP holders will take place when ZEP holders apply for alternative visas or waivers.
Advocate Steven Budlender, for the Helen Suzman Foundation, argued that there was no consultation with affected parties either before or after the decision to terminate the ZEP system.
Jamie argued that it would be impractical to expect the government to have consulted 178 000 ZEP holders.
Budlender said Motsoaledi’s claim that it was impractical to get the opinions of 178 000 people as to how it would impact them was irrational, as this was standard procedure whenever legislation or policy is proposed by the government.
Around 2008, thousands of Zimbabweans crossed the border into South Africa seeking better economic opportunities after the Zimbabwean economy had virtually collapsed.
South Africa then introduced the Dispensation of Zimbabwean Permit (DZP) to legalise Zimbabweans living and working in the country in 2009.
In 2014, the DZP was renamed the Zimbabwe Special Permit (ZSP). The name changed again three years later to Zimbabwe Exemption Permit or ZEP.
In September 2022, South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs extended the permit which was due to expire on December 31, for a further six months to June 30, 2023.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

SA Home Affairs Minister's Decision On ZEP Does Not Take Away Their Rights - Lawyers

Advocate Steven Budlender, who is representing the Helen Suzman Foundation (HSF) in the Pretoria High Court, has argued that the decision by South Africa’s Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi to terminate the Zimbabwean Exemption Permit (ZEP) was irrational and procedurally unfair.
HSF is seeking a declaration that the Minister’s decision is unconstitutional, unlawful, and invalid and that it be set aside as well as a temporary order directing that, reported <a href="https://www.sabcnews.com/sabcnews/home-affairs-decision-to-terminate-zimbabwean-exemption-permit-is-invalid/">SABC News</a>.
Budlender on Tuesday argued that Motsoaledi should reconsider the decision to terminate the ZEP, following the proper process. He said:
<blockquote>
As we argue in our heads and in what follows, procedural rationality under the principle of legality required that ZEP holders and the public be afforded a hearing.
The foundation also argued that the decision was taken without the minister considering the impact it would have on the lives of ZEP holders, their children, and the broader public.
The inevitable effect of the minister’s decision is that, on 30 June 2023, tens of thousands of ZEP holders will be left undocumented.
This is due to the legal and practical barriers to securing alternative visas and permits.
… My client does not suggest and does not ask this court to find that the Minister may never terminate the ZEP programme.
That is not my client’s case and that is not the submission I make, but my client does say and I do submit that because any termination has such profound consequences in order to be valid, it must firstly, follow a fair and procedurally rational consultation process.
Secondly, be consistent with fundamental constitutional rights enshrined in our constitution and thirdly, be based on lawful, rational and reasonable grounds.
</blockquote>
The application by the Helen Suzman Foundation has been opposed.
Around 2008, thousands of Zimbabweans crossed the border into South Africa seeking better economic opportunities after the Zimbabwean economy had virtually collapsed.
South Africa then introduced the Dispensation of Zimbabwean Permit (DZP) to legalise Zimbabweans living and working in the country in 2009.
In 2014, the DZP was renamed to the Zimbabwe Special Permit (ZSP). The name changed again three years later to Zimbabwe Exemption Permit or ZEP.
In September 2022, South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs extended the permit which was due to expire on December 31, for a further six months to June 30, 2023.
South Africa allowed ZEP holders with critical skills to apply for visas to remain in the country.
According to the Zimbabwean Exemption Permit Holders Association (ZEPHA), the number of permit holders is about 160 000, but each person has an average of three to four dependents.
This means that close to one million Zimbabweans will be negatively affected by South Africa’s decision to discontinue the ZEP scheme.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

"SA Decision To Terminate Zimbabwean Exemption Permit Is Invalid"

The Helen Suzman Foundation (HSF)’s legal team on Tuesday, 11 April 2023 said terminating the Zimbabwean Exemption Permit (ZEP) scheme without proper public consultation is unlawful.
The Pretoria High Court is currently hearing a challenge that the HSF brought against the termination of the special permit for Zimbabweans by South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs.
<a href="https://ewn.co.za/2023/04/11/terminating-zep-without-proper-public-consultation-unlawful-hsf-tells-court">Eye Witness News</a> reported that in his opening address, Advocate Steven Budlender, for the foundation, said the termination of the ZEP programme will turn upside down the lives of people who had been in South Africa legally for several years.
Budlender argued that neither ZEP holders nor South Africans at large were given the chance to express their thoughts before the decision was taken. He said:
<blockquote>
We have a decision that is going to fundamentally change people’s lives and it’s a decision that was taken without any attempt to hear them first – a common cause.
It’s a decision that the minister has told these people repeatedly he will not reconsider.
… In a constitutional dispensation can a minister say to people who’ve been here 13 years lawfully: ‘I’m going to decide your fate, I’m going to put in place a decision which is going to decide your fate and which requires you effectively to leave the country’ – without hearing them first?
And we say, no. We say if the Constitution means anything, and if PAJA (Promotion of Administrative Justice Act) means anything and if the principle of legality means anything that could never be a proper view.
</blockquote>
Around 2008, thousands of Zimbabweans crossed the border into South Africa seeking better economic opportunities after the Zimbabwean economy had virtually collapsed.
South Africa then introduced the Dispensation of Zimbabwean Permit (DZP) to legalise Zimbabweans living and working in the country in 2009.
In 2014, the DZP was renamed to the Zimbabwe Special Permit (ZSP). The name changed again three years later to Zimbabwe Exemption Permit or ZEP.
In September 2022, South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs extended the permit which was due to expire on December 31, for a further six months to June 30, 2023.
South Africa allowed ZEP holders with critical skills to apply for visas to remain in the country.
According to the Zimbabwean Exemption Permit Holders Association (ZEPHA), the number of permit holders is about 160 000, but each person has an average of three to four dependents.
This means that close to one million Zimbabweans will be negatively affected by South Africa’s decision to discontinue the ZEP scheme.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Terminating ZEP Without Proper Public Consultation Unlawful, South African NGO Tells Court

The North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria is this week expected to hear arguments challenging South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs’ decision to terminate the Zimbabwean Exemption Permit (ZEP) scheme.
The Helen Suzman Foundation, Zimbabwean Immigration Federation, African Amity and 29 others approached the courts seeking to have the termination of the permits declared unlawful.
In 2022, SA’s Department of Home Affairs announced that it would not renew the special dispensation for a fourth time since its inception in 2009.
More than 170 000 Zimbabweans are holders of the special permits which give them legal protection to live, work and study in South Africa.
However, the dispensation ends on 30 June 2023 and tens of thousands of ZEP holders are now facing an uncertain future.
South Africa allowed ZEP holders with critical skills to apply for visas to remain in the country.
The hearing in the case is expected to take place virtually until Friday.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

SA Court To Hear Arguments Challenging Termination Of Zimbabwe Special Permits

The Zimbabwe Exemption Permit Holders Association (ZEPHA), a South African-based organisation that seeks to protect the rights of Zimbabweans in the neighbouring country, says Zimbabwean children are being denied their right to education.
ZEPHA is asking the Gauteng High Court to set aside what it considers an SA government decision to refuse to enroll children of ZEP holders.
It cited the ministers and directors-general of Basic Education and Home Affairs as respondents.
One of the applicants alleges that he was unable to register his daughter at Rand Park High in Johannesburg in what is supposed to be her matric year.
He claimed the school cited the uncertainty of his legal status in SA as the reason for its decision.
In a statement, ZEPHA said this is just one of several such instances of children of Zimbabweans being denied enrolment in South African schools. It said:
<blockquote>
This is a cruel, inhuman, and unconstitutional punishment of Zimbabwean children’s right to complete their education.
</blockquote>
The decision by SA Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi to end the ZEP system by 30 June this year is the subject of three separate challenges.
The three groups are ZEPHA, the Helen Suzman Foundation and the Zimbabwe Immigration Federation.
All the groups are challenging Home Affairs’ decision to end the ZEP system, which was introduced more than a decade ago.
ZEPHA is arguing that ZEP holders have a legitimate expectation of being granted permanent residence in SA, as most are working, paying taxes, and raising their children in the neighbouring. | <a href="https://www.moneyweb.co.za/news/south-africa/its-back-to-court-for-zimbabwean-children-denied-schooling-in-sa/">Moneyweb</a>

"Zimbabwean Children Denied Schooling In South Africa"

The Government says it is ready to absorb children of Zimbabwe Exemption Permit (ZEP) holders into the country’s education system when they eventually return home in the coming months.
More than 170 000 Zimbabweans are holders of ZEP issued by South Africa in 2017 which will expire at the end of June this year.
Primary and Secondary Education ministry spokesperson, Taungana Ndoro, on Monday said they have systems in place to integrate children formerly learning in other countries to fit into the local schooling system. Ndoro said:
<blockquote>
Our sector has always been absorbing learners from different countries who are in various grades.
These learners could be coming from African countries or any other country around the world.
Remember, one of our mandates is to provide access to all learners — be it formal or non-formal education.
As such, we have systems in place in our sector to assess the level of learners from other countries so that we place them in appropriate levels or grades.
That has been going on for a long time. So, the affected children from South Africa are most welcome to our sector.
We would like to assure parents, especially those who could be coming back home following the expiry of ZEP, that their children are most welcome to the sector and the ministry will do everything it can to accommodate all the affected learners.
</blockquote>
In November 2021, the South African Cabinet announced it will not make further concessions for the ZEP holders.
It then gave them a grace period of up to 30 June 2023 to migrate to other mainstream permits. | <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/zim-schools-ready-to-absorb-children-of-zep-permit-holders/">The Herald</a>

Govt Says Schools Are Ready To Absorb Children Of ZEP Holders

South Africa-based 23-year-old Fine Arts student Musa Nyathi faces an uncertain future as he is among tens of thousands of Zimbabweans who will be forced to leave the country by June next year after the expiry of their special permits.
Nyathi, who has lived in South Africa for 14 years since the age of nine, has been languishing at home for the last ten months.
2021 was meant to be the last year of his studies at the Tshwane University of Technology but failing one of his modules meant he would have to register in 2022 to complete his degree. He told <a href="https://www.sabcnews.com/sabcnews/zimbabwean-permit-holders-helen-suzman-foundation/">SABC News</a>:
<blockquote>
I had a problem when I applied for my visa application late last year. I was told that I would have a certain grace period but when I went to apply they told me that the grace period is for refugees and people under that category.
</blockquote>
Nyathi said his attempt to explain to the Department of Home Affairs the circumstances relating to the week’s delay in submitting his visa application was ignored. He said:
<blockquote>
I’m not sure what kind of reasons they were looking for because there were actually unforeseen circumstances.
I was expecting to complete my course last year and by the end of the year move back home but due to the COVID-19 regulations and the like, we ended up having our exams later on the latest in early December.
</blockquote>
Since 2008, Nyathi’s mother has done everything possible to ensure that the family is on the right side of the law with regard to its immigration status.
The Department of Home Affairs said it was still investigating why eight months after Nyathi appealed its decision to reject his visa application, he is still waiting for a response despite a number of follow-up inquiries. Said Nyathi:
<blockquote>
I honestly just want to complete my course because I only had a single module left that I was unable to complete last year but if I am free to do so I may freely leave the country.
</blockquote>
According to the Helen Suzman Foundation, however, Nyathi’s situation is happening all too often as the expiry of the ZEP in June next year approaches.
The Foundation, and other immigration stakeholders, believe South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs lacks the capacity to deal fairly with Zimbabweans seeking to regularise their stay in the country and therefore must be made to reconsider its decision by the courts.

"SA's Home Affairs Lacks Capacity To Deal With Zimbabwean Permit Holders"

Thousands of Zimbabwean nationals residing in South Africa whose special permits expire at the end of this year can now bring back all their belongings duty-free, including one vehicle, a Cabinet minister has said.
Addressing journalists during a post-Cabinet briefing in Harare on Tuesday, Information minister Monica Mutsvangwa said there are no limits to personal property that one can bring back home. She said:
<blockquote>
The Zimbabwean Government has issued guidelines and regulations for returning residents which include one duty-free vehicle and no limits to personal property.
Government has also engaged the South African government, emphasising that Zimbabwe is ready to receive its returning nationals, who should comply with the relevant South African laws.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe expects tens of thousands of its nationals to be deported from South Africa following the expiry of Zimbabwe Exemptions Permits (ZEP) which South Africa had granted them.
Zimbabwean ZEP holders in South Africa were given up to 31 December 2022 to regularise their stay or face deportation. SA later extended the permit’s validity to June 30 of next year.
Mutsvangwa added that Cabinet had agreed to establish an inter-ministerial committee that would be supported by sub-committees that would look at the provision of transport and logistics, security, documentation, re-integration support, resource mobilisation, information and publicity as well as health and education.
About 189 000 Zimbabweans held the ZEPs and the bulk of them face deportation after failing to get fresh permits under other schemes.

Govt Extends Duty-free Facility To Citizens Returning From South Africa

Some Zimbabweans trying to leave South Africa at the Beitbridge border are being stopped from returning, by border guards, because they do not have valid documents, reported <a href="https://groundup.org.za/article/home-affairs-silent-over-treatment-of-zimbabweans-at-beitbridge-border/">GroundUp</a>.
Those who spoke to the publication said they eventually crossed the border through unofficial routes.
An informal trader who spoke to GroundUp said she had decided to return home due to xenophobia in South Africa. She said:
<blockquote>
I cannot stand the current wave of vigilantism in South Africa. The only possible option is to go back home to Zimbabwe.
The wave [of xenophobia] seems to be spreading to all provinces. It’s better I leave before this life-threatening situation is upon us.
</blockquote>
She said she used to travel home almost every two weeks to visit her two children.
<blockquote>
But since 2011, as the situation in Zimbabwe continued to deteriorate, she decided to stay in South Africa and run her informal business.
</blockquote>
She said wants to return home but cannot do so under the new border rules. She said:
<blockquote>
We are ordered to go back to South Africa, but if we go back, we risk being arrested. We are really stuck.
</blockquote>
South Africa recently introduced 200 armed Border Management Authority (BMA) guards in Musina, Limpopo.
The guards are deployed at five “identified vulnerable parts” of the border and work with members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF).
Meanwhile, 178 000 Zimbabwean Exemption Permit (ZEP) holders will be deemed illegal migrants in South Africa if they fail to regularise their stay in the country before the expiry of the six-month extension on 30 June 2023.
The ZEP permit was to expire at the end of December 2022 before it was extended by another six months but many families are still opting to voluntarily return to Zimbabwe.

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