Important news regarding ZEP holders
For all holders of ZEP permits, you are now granted an additional six months to transfer into the proper immigration system.
What does this mean?
Well, as you all know, ZEP holders’ visas were previously not extended, and they had a grace period ending at the end of this year (2022) to transfer into the normal immigration system. This grace period has been extended by another 6 months and it ends now on the 30th of June 2023.
Why the change?
One of the reasons cited by the Department of Home Affairs for extending is the low number of Zimbabweans actually having applied so far for the immigration system or for visas according to our immigration act. In a statement released, the government is urging ZEP holders to apply early and make use of this opportunity.
The reality of the situation
Unfortunately, for a lot of Zimbabweans, there’s very few options to transfer into the normal immigration system. The general work visa is very difficult to obtain due to the Department of Labour recommendations. The waivers are processed slowly and are also not granted all the time. Unless you have a South African child or you’re married, it is very difficult to transfer to the immigration system. I don’t particularly think that many more Zimbabweans can now easily apply. But nevertheless, 30th of June is the new deadline.
Written by Andreas Krensel
Edited by Simon Carletti
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