Zimbabwe & Lesotho Exemption Permits Extended Until May 2027: What This Means for You
On 7 October 2025, the South African Department of Home Affairs published an important update for thousands of Zimbabwean and Lesotho nationals who have made South Africa their home. The Zimbabwe Exemption Permits (ZEP) and Lesotho Exemption Permits (LEP) have been officially extended for another 18 months, which means they now remain valid until 28 May 2027.
For many, this announcement brings a deep sigh of relief. It offers time to work legally, travel freely, and plan the next steps without the anxiety of an expiring permit hanging overhead.
What the Extension Actually Means
If you hold a ZEP or LEP, this extension automatically applies to you. There is no need to lodge a new application or submit additional paperwork. Your existing permit remains valid until May 2027.
During this period, you can:
- Continue to live and work legally in South Africa
- Travel in and out of the country without facing penalties or immigration complications
- Apply for mainstream visas from within South Africa, provided you meet the relevant eligibility requirements
In practice, that means life can carry on much as before, but with a renewed sense of security.
Tatenda’s Story: Planning Ahead with Certainty
To make this real, consider the example of Tatenda, a Zimbabwean national who has lived in South Africa for more than a decade. He works as a warehouse supervisor in Cape Town and has built a stable life here. His ZEP technically expired in 2021, but like many others, Tatenda continued to live and work under successive extensions.
With this latest 18-month extension, Tatenda’s legal status is once again secure. He can keep working, travel to Zimbabwe to visit family, and return without issue. Yet Tatenda knows that 2027 will come sooner than expected, so he has begun exploring whether he qualifies for a general work visa. That proactive step could place him on firmer long-term footing, independent of future government decisions.
His story reflects the quiet pragmatism of many permit holders who contribute daily to South Africa’s economy while navigating shifting immigration frameworks.
Should Permit Holders Take Action Now?
Although no immediate steps are required to benefit from the extension, it is wise not to be complacent.
Permit holders should use this period to assess their options for mainstream visas, such as the General Work Visa for those already employed in South Africa, the Critical Skills Visa for individuals in professions listed by the Department of Labour, or the Spousal or Life Partner Visa for those in a relationship with a South African citizen or permanent resident.
These pathways provide more stable and predictable residency options. Preparing early can help avoid the rush and uncertainty that tend to arise as deadlines approach.
At IBN Immigration Solutions, our consultants regularly assist permit holders in assessing eligibility and navigating these transitions. The process can seem complex, but with the right advice, it becomes far more manageable.
Guidance for Employers
Employers also have an important role to play. Many HR departments have expressed concern that ZEP or LEP documents appear “expired” on paper. However, employment remains lawful until 28 May 2027. Businesses can continue employing existing staff and may even onboard new hires who hold these permits.
That said, employers should also prepare for the future by supporting staff members who wish to regularise their stay through mainstream visa applications. This not only ensures business continuity but also demonstrates a commitment to compliance and ethical employment practices.
Why Was Another Extension Granted?
The background to this development is rooted in a combination of legal obligations and administrative realism. Over recent years, several court rulings have required the Department of Home Affairs to conduct broader public consultations before phasing out exemption permits.
In response, the department appointed the Immigration Advisory Board (IAB) in April 2025 to explore sustainable, fair, and transparent solutions. These consultations are ongoing, involving stakeholders from government, business, and civil society.
The 18-month timeframe now granted allows these discussions to continue properly, which is a far more realistic window than the shorter six or twelve-month extensions seen in the past.
What Happens After 2027?
It is too soon to say exactly how this will unfold. The consultations may produce new visa pathways, transitional measures, or entirely fresh policy directions. What is clear, however, is that waiting passively carries risk.
For individuals like Tatenda, and for employers relying on them, now is the moment to take stock. Understanding your visa options, planning applications, and gathering the necessary documentation will ensure you are ready, whatever form the next stage takes.
In Summary
The extension of the ZEP and LEP to May 2027 is not just a bureaucratic adjustment. It is a reprieve, a chance to pause, plan, and prepare. Permit holders can continue to live, work, and contribute to South Africa while engaging constructively with the immigration system.
The goal, ultimately, is stability for individuals, families, and the businesses that depend on them.
Written by Hannah Mminele, South African Branch and Immigration Manager
