Relief for Zimbabwean Nationals: South Africa Extends ZEPs to 2025 Amid Digital Overhaul

The South African Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has announced a critical lifeline for holders of Zimbabwean Exemption Permits (ZEPs). An extension until November 2025 has been granted, providing relief to approximately 178,000 individuals who were uncertain about their residency status.

This extension comes after the Gauteng High Court ruled the 2022 termination of ZEPs unlawful. It allows ZEP holders to live, work, and conduct business in South Africa for another year while the DHA addresses court requirements.

Under the extended regulations, ZEP holders cannot be arrested, detained, or deported for lacking valid exemption certificates. They are also entitled to freedom of movement in and out of South Africa, provided other immigration requirements are met.

In a significant policy shift, DHA Minister Leon Schreiber introduced a digital-first system for visa and permit processing. Starting with ZEP waivers, applicants will now receive outcomes via email in a PDF format.

“Over time, this approach will extend to all visa and permit applicants, offering greater convenience and efficiency,” the DHA said.

As of August 2024, the department had processed 60,000 outstanding ZEP waiver applications, clearing a backlog that dated back to 2022.

ZEP holders who have applied for waivers to transition to General Work visas can proceed with their applications as soon as their waivers are approved. Notably, these cases are exempt from the new points-based immigration system, streamlining their transition.

Legal and Economic Impact

The decision to extend ZEPs comes after extensive legal challenges and rulings by South Africa’s High Court, Supreme Court of Appeal, and Constitutional Court. Without this extension, ZEP holders risked being declared undesirable after the initial November 29, 2024 deadline.

The extension is a win not only for the legal rights of ZEP holders but also for South Africa’s economy. Many ZEP holders are key contributors to the workforce, businesses, and local communities.

The DHA has invited public commentary on the broader implications of these changes and continues to refine its digital-first visa system. For ZEP holders, this extension provides much-needed breathing room to plan their futures.

This pivotal decision highlights the importance of balancing immigration control with human rights, setting a precedent for South Africa’s evolving immigration landscape.

The extension of ZEPs and the introduction of digital processing are significant steps in addressing both immediate and long-term immigration challenges in South Africa. By ensuring the rights of permit holders and improving service delivery, the DHA is paving the way for a more efficient and humane immigration system.

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