South Africa extends Zimbabwean Exemption Permits to 2025

South Africa has extended the validity of the Zimbabwean Exemption Permits (ZEP) until 28 November 2025, effective immediately.

The previous deadline for Zimbabweans to apply for a new one-year permit expired last Friday. Before the extension, Zimbabweans without a waiver to transition from a ZEP to a general work visa had until yesterday to apply for a new exemption permit.

In a statement, South Africa’s Minister of Home Affairs, Dr Leon Amos Schreiber, confirmed the extension, citing the need for compliance with a Gauteng High Court ruling that mandated consultations with ZEP holders and other stakeholders regarding the future of the exemption programme.

“To fulfil the duty placed on me by the Gauteng High Court to consult affected ZEP holders and all other stakeholders on the future of the current dispensation, the ZEP will remain valid until 28 November 2025,” said Dr Schreiber.

He added that the Immigration Advisory Board (IAB) would be reactivated to guide the department in implementing the High Court’s directives regarding the ZEP.

“No holder of a ZEP may be arrested, ordered to depart, detained for deportation, or deported under section 34 of the Immigration Act for reasons related to not possessing a valid exemption certificate,” Dr Schreiber stated.

ZEP holders will also be allowed to travel in and out of South Africa, provided they meet all other entry and exit requirements, excluding the need for a valid visa endorsement in their passports.

Last year, a South African court declared the termination of the ZEP unlawful.

Dr Schreiber assured that no ZEP holder would be required to produce a valid exemption certificate, visa, or authorisation letter to remain in the country when applying for any visa category for temporary residency, as stipulated under Section 10(2) of the Immigration Act.

Before the extension, approximately 178 000 ZEP holders faced the risk of being declared undesirable and deported if they remained in South Africa. They also faced potential bans from re-entering the country for up to five years.

Dr Schreiber emphasised that the extension allows for a fair process and ensures compliance with the law while consultations continue.