Important news on the Zimbabwean Exemption Permit
The South African - 10 December 2021
Zimbabwean nationals in South Africa with Zimbabwean Exemption Permits (ZEP) should note an important 0development regarding ZEPs.
Zimbabwean Exemption Permit. AdobeStock
The South African Government will no longer issue extensions to Zimbabwean citizens holding Zimbabwean Exemption Permits (ZEP). The South African Government announced the decision on the ZEPs at the end of November 2021.
All ZEPs will expire on 31 December 2021.
GRACE PERIOD FOR ZEP HOLDERS
The good news is that the SA Government will grant a grace period of twelve months to all ZEP holders following the expiry of these permits on 31 December 2021.
ZEP holders thus have twelve months to regularise their stay in South Africa. ZEP holders can regularise their stay by finding alternative means to stay in South Africa legally by December 2022.
ZEP holders who cannot find alternative ways to stay legally in South Africa by December 2022 will have to leave South Africa or face deportation.
RULES FOR ORGANISATIONS DEALING WITH ZIMBABWEAN EXEMPTION PERMIT HOLDERS
Companies, employers, learning institutions and banks must allow ZEP holders to continue their services.
However, ZEP holders must provide proof of application for a mainstream South African visa to such organisations. They must also submit a VFS receipt with their proof of application for a mainstream SA visa.
TRAVELLING IN AND OUT OF SOUTH AFRICA AS A ZEP HOLDER
Zimbabwean nationals with a Zimbabwean Exemption Permit (ZEP) can travel freely in and out of South Africa until 31 December 2022. However, when the grace period ends 31 December 2022, they will only be allowed to travel in and out of South Africa with a valid SA visa.