Zimbabwean citizens living in South Africa with a Zimbabwe Exemption Permit (ZEP) have been thrown another 12-month lifeline. The previous Minister’s decision to end the ZEP regime in December 2021 was successfully challenged in court. As a consequence, several exemptions have been issued over time, repeatedly extending the validity of the ZEP permits, most recently until 31 December 2024, with the option of applying for one last extension until 29 November 2025, or for a waiver and change to one of the ordinary visas. The deadline for such applications was 29 November 2024, and on that day – in light of unsustainable bottlenecks at offices of application – the Minister issued another exemption.
ALL ZEP holders – whether or not they have individually applied for an extension, waiver or ordinary visa – are now deemed to be holding permits which are valid until 28 November 2025. Until this time, they may be in the country, continue working, studying of following their activities, leave and re-enter South Africa, and make an application for one of the ordinary visas.
Once the new Immigration Advisory Board (IAB) has been established, it will advise on the way forward regarding the ZEP regime. ZEP holders who are in secure employment, who study or who otherwise qualify for another visa should start the process now, if they have not already done so. For guidance on your chances please get in touch with our team.