Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya
Beitbridge Bureau
ZIMBABWEANS living in South Africa using the Zimbabwe Exemption Permit should take advantage of the latest extension by another 18 months and use the extra time to regularise their stay and move into more permanent permissions, the Zimbabwean embassy has said.
South Africa’s Home Affairs ministry extended the validity of the special permit that was set to expire at the end of next month and the permits will now expire at the end of May in 2027.
South Africa’s Home Affairs Minister Dr Leon Schreiber gazetted the extension on Tuesday after consulting the Immigration Advisory Board.
Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to South Africa, Mr David Hamadziripi, yesterday said the embassy had taken note of the latest decision.
“The Embassy of Zimbabwe has taken note of the decision by the government of South Africa through the Minister of Home Affairs to extend the validity of the Zimbabwean Exemption Permit until 28 May 2027,” said the Ambassador.
“The Embassy takes this opportunity to remind the Zimbabwean Exemption Permit holders and indeed all Zimbabweans in South Africa to respect and abide by the laws and regulations of the Republic of South Africa”.
The latest extension has renewed hope, ending months of anxiety amongst the Zimbabweans living, studying and working in the country.
Thousands of Zimbabwean professionals are based in South Africa on the strength of the permit that was due to expire at the end of November this year.
The olive branch gives the permit holders an opportunity to finish up the regularisation process and even migrate to mainstream permits.
“As the Zimbabwe Exiles Forum (ZEF), we welcome the extension. You will note that employers, border agencies and banks continue to give this special category hell because there is no passport sticker to accompany the extension. We hope for constructive consultation that will give finality to this issue,” said Advocate Gabriel Shumba, the Forum chairperson.
“Having a sticker in the passport for that period of 18 months would go a long way in alleviating some of the challenges that the ZEP holders face. Whilst the consultation process is unfolding, it might be prudent for those who want to migrate to the mainstream permits to do so as the future remains uncertain”.
One of the ZEP holders, Miss Praise Matizirofa, said the reprieve gave them more time to apply for other permits.
She implored the Home Affairs Department to consider endorsing a sticker or visa for the permit holders to minimise challenges they are having at some institutions regarding their immigration status.
“We welcome this decision by the host Government for putting an end to months of anxiety and I want to urge my fellow countrymen to ensure the process of the necessary documents as required,” said Mr Cleto Zharare.
Mr Sephiso Ncube encouraged fellow Zimbabweans to make use of the latest opportunity to process the outstanding paper work regularising their stay in South Africa.
