UPDATE: 29 NOVEMBER 2024
The South African Department of Home Affairs has officially extended the validity of the Zimbabwean Exemption Permits (ZEP) for another 12 months, up to 28 November 2025. You can read more here.
What is the ZEP?
The Zimbabwean Exemption Permit (ZEP) continues to be a focal point for many Zimbabweans living and working in South Africa.
The ZEP is a special permit allowing eligible Zimbabwean nationals to reside and work legally in South Africa. However, with recent policy changes, ZEP holders must make decisions about their future in South Africa as deadlines approach. You can learn more about the extension of ZEPs and what it means in this detailed blog post.
Key Updates for ZEP Holders
Continuation of Work Rights for Current ZEP Holders
One clarification comes from the Department of Home Affairs’ directive issued on 4 December 2023. This directive states that ZEP holders who have applied for a waiver or visa can continue working and residing in South Africa until their application outcome is finalised. This applies to applications for general work visas, critical skills visas, or other applicable permits.
For a detailed explanation of this directive, watch the video on the ZEP waiver update.
Pending Waiver or Visa Applications
If your waiver or visa application is still under review, you are legally permitted to remain in South Africa and continue working. Once a waiver is approved, you must comply with its terms by submitting your visa application by June 2025.
To better understand the waiver process and its implications, you can explore this guide, which provides step-by-step insights.
For ZEP Holders Without a Waiver Application
If you haven’t yet applied for a waiver, your current ZEP will expire on 29 November 2024. At that point, you will need to:
- Apply for a waiver or visa,
- Transition to the new exemption permit, or
- Leave South Africa.
However, it’s important to note that the new exemption permit, valid until November 2025, is a temporary measure with strict limitations. It doesn’t allow for a change in immigration status, making it a “dead-end” permit. This means ZEP holders on the new permit must leave South Africa by November 2025.
Critical Deadlines to Remember
29 November 2024: The last day for ZEP holders without waiver applications to maintain their status.
June 2025: The deadline to apply for visas following a waiver approval.
November 2025: The expiry date for the new exemption permits.
For a comprehensive overview of scenarios and next steps for ZEP holders, this article is a helpful resource.
What Should ZEP Holders Do?
Apply for a Waiver Immediately
If you have not yet submitted a waiver application, you must do so before 29 November 2024. This waiver is essential to extend your legal stay and transition to a long-term visa.
Act on Waiver Outcomes
Once a waiver is approved, ensure you meet its requirements, which involves applying for a General Work Visa or Critical Skills Visa by June 2025.
Plan Beyond the New Exemption Permit
While the new exemption permit may offer temporary relief, it doesn’t provide a pathway to change your immigration status. This makes it important to plan ahead if you wish to stay in South Africa beyond November 2025.
For more on navigating these options, you can watch this helpful video on the ZEP waiver process.
Final Thoughts
The changes to the ZEP program highlight the importance of staying informed and acting quickly. Whether you’re applying for a waiver, exploring visa options, or transitioning to the new exemption permit, staying updated with changes to the Zimbabwean Exemption Permit is key.
Keep up-to-date with our Blogs and YouTube channel to learn more.
Written by Andreas Krensel, Managing Director
Edited by Simon Carletti, PR and Creative Supervisor
