Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber has extended the validity of Zimbabwean Exemption Permits.Schreiber announced this in the government gazette on Friday.

He said he would give the Immigration Advisory Board time to do its work to ensure compliance with a court order that found the termination of the permits was unlawful.

Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber has extended the validity of the Zimbabwean Exemption Permits (ZEP) to next year.In the government gazette on Friday, Schreiber announced that he had extended the controversial ZEP to 28 November 2025.

The previous deadline for Zimbabwean nationals to apply for a new one-year permit was Friday.In the gazette, Schreiber said: `[I have done this] in order for me to fulfil the duty placed on me by the Gauteng High Court to consult the affected ZEP holders and all other stakeholders on the future of the current dispensation.

`Before the extension, Zimbabwean nationals who had not applied for a waiver to progress from a ZEP to a general work visa in South Africa had Friday to apply for a new one-year exemption permit, which would have been valid until 29 November 2025.

The Department of Home Affairs has gazetted an official extension of existing Zimbabwean Exemption Permits (ZEPs) to November 2025.

In the gazette, DHA minister Leon Schreiber said the extension had been granted to give him the time needed to address the Gauteng High Court’s requirements.

As such, existing ZEPs will remain valid for the next twelve months.

“No holder of a ZEP may be arrested, ordered to depart or be detained for purposes of deportation or deported in terms of section 34 of the Immigration Act for any reason related to him or her not having any valid exemption certificate,” the department said.

Further to this, a holder of an exemption certificate may be allowed to enter into or depart from the Republic of South Africa provided that they comply with all other requirements for entry into and departure.

The gazette comes at the last minute, as countless holders of ZEPs faced uncertainty this week about whether they could stay in the country.

Marisa Jacobs, Managing Director at Xpatweb, said that there are an estimated 178,000 ZEP-holders in South Africa who had found themselves “between the devil and the deep blue sea” after former minister of Home Affairs, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, decided in 2022 to terminate the ZEP.

Several court cases followed, and in June 2023, the High Court in Pretoria confirmed that the termination of the ZEP was indeed unlawful, and a subsequent appeal of the decision was refused by the Supreme Court of Appeal and the Constitutional Court.

Without the latest extension, legal experts warned that ZEP-holders may have been at risk of being declared undesirable if they stayed in South Africa after the 29 November 2024 deadline passed.

ZEP-holders are entitled to work, seek employment and conduct business in South Africa during the validity of the exemption permit. A holder of the exemption permit is allowed freedom of movement in and out of South Africa.

On 29 August this year, new DHA minister Schreiber instituted a new rule to deliver the outcomes of visa waiver applications digitally via email to applicants. In the first phase of the rollout, the outcome of waiver applications for ZEPs will be sent digitally.

“Over time, this digital-first approach will be extended to other applicants in the visa and permit regime. Starting today with ZEP holders and later, all applicants will conveniently receive digital waiver letters, in PDF format, through email,” the DHA said.

By the end of August, the DHA had processed more than 60,000 outstanding ZEP waiver applications, many of which dated back to 2022.

Jacobs noted that ZEP-holders who applied for a waiver to progress to a General Work visa and are awaiting the application’s processing can proceed with their submission for a General Work visa as soon as the waiver has been processed. The new Points-based system does not apply in these instances.

Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber has extended the validity of Zimbabwean Exemption Permits.
Schreiber announced this in the government gazette on Friday.
He said he would give the Immigration Advisory Board time to do its work to ensure compliance with a court order that found the termination of the permits was unlawful.
Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber has extended the validity of the Zimbabwean Exemption Permits (ZEP) to next year.
In the government gazette on Friday, Schreiber announced that he had extended the controversial ZEP to 28 November 2025.

The previous deadline for Zimbabwean nationals to apply for a new one-year permit was Friday.


In the gazette, Schreiber said: "[I have done this] in order for me to fulfil the duty placed on me by the Gauteng High Court to consult the affected ZEP holders and all other stakeholders on the future of the current dispensation."

Before the extension, Zimbabwean nationals who had not applied for a waiver to progress from a ZEP to a general work visa in South Africa had Friday to apply for a new one-year exemption permit, which would have been valid until 29 November 2025.

In the gazette, Schreiber said the Immigration Advisory Board (IAB) would be tasked with considering, advising on, and enabling the steps required for compliance with the order of the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria.

Last year, in June, the court found that the termination of the ZEP was unlawful.

Schreiber added that he would give the IAB time to do its work and ensure a fair process.

The minister said: "I direct that existing ZEPs shall be deemed to remain valid for the next 12 months.

"No holder of a ZEP may be arrested, ordered to depart or be detained for purposes of deportation or deported in terms of Section 34 of the Immigration Act for any reason related to him or her not having any valid exemption certificate."

He further directed: "The holder of an exemption certificate may be allowed to enter into or depart from the Republic of South Africa in terms of Section 9 of the Immigration Act, read together with Immigration Regulations, 2014, provided that he or she complies with all other requirements for entry into and departure from the republic, save for the reason of not having a valid visa endorsed in his or her passport; and

"No ZEP holder should be required to produce a valid exemption certificate, visa or an authorisation letter to remain in the republic as contemplated in Section 32(1) of the Immigration Act when making an application for any category of the visa for temporary sojourn in the republic as contemplated in Section 10 (2) of the Immigration Act."

Before the extension, about 178 000 ZEP holders faced being declared undesirable and deportation if they continued to stay in the country. They also faced the prospect of not being allowed to enter the country for one to five years.

Overview
This document outlines essential information regarding retirement in South Africa, including visa options, requirements, and lifestyle considerations for expatriates.
Introduction
South Africa is celebrated as one of the premier retirement destinations globally, with Cape Town standing out for its breathtaking scenery. Many expatriates are drawn to South Africa for its affordable living costs, favorable climate, excellent private healthcare, diverse real estate options, and advantageous tax regulations. This guide provides comprehensive insights into obtaining a South African Retirement Visa.
Retiring in South Africa
Retiree Communities
There are vibrant American expat communities in cities like Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Durban. Engaging in local clubs and organizations can significantly enhance social integration. The tranquil towns along the Eastern Cape, such as Port Alfred and Kenton-on-Sea, offer serene coastal living ideal for retirees seeking a peaceful lifestyle. These areas provide a quieter alternative to the bustling urban centers while emphasizing community and nature. Notable retirement communities include Zimbali Coastal Resort near Durban and Val de Vie Estate in the Cape Winelands, both offering luxury living and extensive amenities. Activities for Retirees
Retirees can enjoy a wide array of affordable activities in South Africa. Opportunities abound for outdoor adventures like hiking in the Drakensberg Mountains or embarking on wildlife safaris in Kruger National Park. Golf enthusiasts will find world-class courses, while cultural experiences such as museums and music festivals enrich the retirement experience. The country’s favorable climate and stunning landscapes create an ideal environment for exploring new hobbies.
Retirement Requirements
Visa Types
Anyone can retire in South Africa without a specific age requirement; however, proof of financial independence is necessary to apply for a Retirement Visa. Two primary visa options exist: the Retirement Visa and the Financially Independent Visa.
•    Retirement Visa: This visa allows holders to reside in South Africa but prohibits work or study. Applicants must demonstrate a guaranteed monthly income of at least ZAR 37,000 (approximately USD 2,000) or possess a capital sum of ZAR 444,000 (around USD 24,000). The visa is valid for four years.
•    Financially Independent Visa: This option permits permanent residency but requires proof of a net worth of at least ZAR 12 million (approximately USD 653,000) along with a one-time fee of ZAR 120,000 (about USD 65,000). Like the Retirement Visa holders, they must visit South Africa every three years.
Documentation
The application process requires standard documentation along with specific financial proofs:
•    Completed Retirement Visa application form
•    Financial documents confirming monthly income
•    Passport and photographs
•    Medical report (including vaccinations if applicable)
•    Police Clearance Certificate
•    Proof of residence/accommodation
•    Payment proof for application fees
Tax Considerations
Tax obligations are determined by residency status or source of income. The South African Revenue Service (SARS) classifies residents based on various criteria. If classified as an ordinary resident or meeting the physical presence test (living in South Africa for over 91 days each year for five consecutive years), individuals are taxed on worldwide income. Non-residents may still incur withholding taxes on income earned within South Africa. The U.S. has a double tax agreement with South Africa to prevent double taxation.
Suggestions and Considerations
Property prices vary significantly across regions; coastal cities like Cape Town tend to be more expensive than rural areas. For example, rental prices for two-bedroom homes range from ZAR 12,000 (USD 800) to ZAR 25,000 (USD 1,666) in Cape Town compared to lower prices in Durban. Retirees should consider property types, locations, amenities, and security when making housing choices.
Conclusion
For those meeting the financial criteria and healthcare access requirements, applying for a Retirement Visa in South Africa can be straightforward. This visa allows expatriates to enjoy one of the most beautiful retirement locations globally while embracing the vibrant lifestyle that South Africa offers.

SA Migration – 29 November 2024
The Minister of Home Affairs has announced that the Department of Home Affairs intends to increase the number of inspections at restaurants, informal businesses also known as ‘spaza shops’, farms and mines to ensure that all foreign nationals are documented and legally employed in the country. Moreover, the Minister is also requesting the public to contact the Department if an employer has violated immigration and employment laws. Although the immigration enforcement initiatives will focus on restaurants, spaza shops, farms and mines, it is expected to include other sectors where violations are reported. This initiative is part of the Department of Home Affairs’ plan to strengthen national security and economic growth in South Africa.
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