adminJethro Murahwi
ZIMBABWEANS based in South Africa are in limbo over delays in processing the waiver of the Exemption Permits applications.
CEO of the African Diaspora Global Network, Dr Vusumuzi Sibanda, said the South African government had remained mum about an extension or new applications.
“With less than six months before the Zimbabwean Exemption Permits (ZEPs) expire, holders who applied for a waiver are waiting with bated breath for feedback from the South African government. The last major news we had was in October, where the court hearing to challenge the termination (launched by the Helen Suzman Foundation) was postponed to the beginning of February this year after the Minister of Home Affairs said they still need more time to prepare,” said Dr Vusumuzi.
Zimbabweans in South Africa were instructed to apply for the newly introduced mainstream visas last year and the law stipulates that those that qualify can apply for work visas.
Sibanda said such regulations were difficult since those that initially applied for the ZEPs in 2009 could not qualify for any other visa.
“To expect that there is a change now is actually a non-starter because it is known the reason people were given ZEPs is that they could not qualify for any other visa; otherwise they would have applied for them.
“The conditions and requirements for visas in 2009 were more relaxed than after amendment of the Immigration Act in 2014.
“Normally when you apply for a waiver, you waive one requirement. In this case, it would mean if these waivers are granted, everything will be waived which actually is as good as giving out that very same ZEP.”
Sibanda said the South African government was verbally extending the dates and publishing them in the government gazette, but that is not reflected on the ground.
“This causes difficulties for holders since some were arrested and spent time in prison while their ZEPs were being verified.
“If you are arrested, the matter may be postponed for seven days so that Home Affairs ascertains whether your permit is valid or not.
“Some people are losing their jobs because employers cannot keep them without a valid visa,” he said.
It is reported that some Zimbabweans’ bank accounts have been closed.
“Banks are closing accounts and holding on to people’s money ,yet employers continue transferring money into those accounts.
“People are earning, but can’t access that money and are unable to support their families,” he said.
Online Reporter